Humans are never pessimistic, they are just bound by too much reality that they see more of the bad than the good.

I grew up in a desert where leaving a cellphone anywhere would only cause most people here to steal a glance and lift their noses - a sign of indifference. Probably even snobbiness.

I am not one to jump into conclusions, but I am compelled to believe that my affinity for being irresponsible with regards to my stuff was brought upon by this truth.

In a few months, I will leave this desert and bid a greeting to the Philippines. Suddenly people have been telling me to stay here instead, when I asked them why, their answers go along the lines of "The Philippines.. too much crimes." Naturally, a small part of me gets scared, but an even bigger part feels pity. Not for myself, but for my country and for the people who inhabit it. I cannot blame those people who discouraged me, though, if crimes weren't rampant, they would encourage - heck, even push - me to study in the Philippines.

My disbelief with their accusations regarding the state of the Philippines turned into pity that they've been clouded with pessimism, then understanding. It's not the people's fault that they are pessimistic towards the Philippines, it's just that they've experienced firsthand how life in the Philippines is like.