An Australian psychology expert who has been studying emotions has found being grumpy makes us think more clearly.
In contrast to those annoying happy types, miserable people are better at decision-making and less gullible, his experiments showed.
While cheerfulness fosters creativity, gloominess breeds attentiveness and careful thinking. The University of New South Wales researcher says a grumpy person can cope with more demanding situations than a happy one because of the way the brain "promotes information processing strategies".
And how did he come to these resounding conclusions?
He asked volunteers to watch different films and dwell on positive or negative events in their life, designed to put them in either a good or bad mood. Next he asked them to take part in a series of tasks, including judging the truth of urban myths and providing eyewitness accounts of events. Those in a bad mood outperformed those who were jolly - they made fewer mistakes and were better communicators.
Professor Forgas said: "Whereas positive mood seems to promote creativity, flexibility, co-operation and reliance on mental shortcuts, negative moods trigger more attentive, careful thinking, paying greater attention to the external world."
The study also found that sad people were better at stating their case through written arguments, which showed that a "mildly negative mood may actually promote a more concrete, accommodative and ultimately more successful communication style".
"I work on the premise that misery is the thinking man's happiness" one reader said. "With misery come a distinctive humor and a more realistic outlook on life that actually makes one a more rounded and "real" person than those who move around with a painted smile on their faces."
“Of course, it’s easy being pessimistic when you are a grumpy old man like me” says another, “with nothing but endless conflict, the continuing economic crisis, and .. predictions of something terrible to come This awareness of my own mortality brings with it cynicism, as I cast envious eyes over the world that I will soon no doubt leave.”
But surely there is more to life than just existing, and there must be a chance for a brighter future despite whatever these pessimists may think?
A philosopher provides us with some sound advice on overcoming pessimism and general grumpiness: Always live in the present and have no fear with what the future brings. Embracing the hope of a positive future can make you feel at ease with whatever difficulty you may be presently experiencing, not to mention opening avenues for you to find greater meaning and purpose in your own lives. Always keep in mind that you are growing wise, and not old. Remain young at heart and find joy and laughter in everything you do. Create, learn or discover something of positive value and worth living for in the time you have left. But above all remember that ‘To grow old is no evil, just learn to cultivate your mind into becoming like fine wine”
Or as Marcus Aurelius said” Live each day as if it were your last.”
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