Many people think that Buddhism is negative and pessimistic. Such a biased assessment is used by those who do not understand the teachings of Buddhism and their meaning. In fact, Buddhism is neither too pessimistic nor too optimistic. The Buddha taught us that we should see the world and our life in the right perspective. There’s no need to be doggedly pessimistic about it or to excessively glamorize it. If we are too idealistic about our life, there will be no inner preparation for times of crisis. Once any unpredictable incident occurs, it will be difficult for us to accept it and we will sink into intense suffering.

~ Luminous Wisdom, 8