Merritt tells Olivia that “Truly good people…tend to assume other people are just like them…It’s a dangerous state of affairs for them.” (p.22). Olivia replies that that’s a dark way of looking at things. Which of these characters do you agree with?
I think both Olivia and Merritt have positive ways to view people. In today’s world one has to balance optimism with pessimism. So many people today have unsavory ideals it’s best to be cautious.
As much as I want to agree with Olivia and see the best in everyone that’s just not reality so I like Olivia’s optimism but completely understand and agree with Merritt on this one.
I think there’s truth in both perspectives. Truly decent people often assume others are operating with the same honesty and goodwill that they are, and because of that they may overlook manipulation or dishonesty simply because it doesn’t naturally occur to them that people can behave that way. But overall, I lean more toward Olivia’s view. If you go through life always expecting the worst from people, you risk losing warmth, trust, and genuine connection with others, and to me that seems like a sad way to live
I think that I have a bit of both in me. I can be gullible and fall for folks who may have hidden agendas. I have also been around the block a few times and can spot certain negative characteristics right away.
I agree with each of them. And with what is sort of the opposite, that bad people expect bad things in others.
I agree with both of their opinions. I do think that Merritt’s opinion is better for detective work, especially since they are usually looking for someone who has committed a crime.
Olivia is definitely naive in this regard, thinking the best of others or that everyone is good like her. I mean, it’s good to be optimistic all the time, but take it with a bit of caution. It gets back to the related question where Olivia feels people are innocent until proven otherwise, while Merritt believes the opposite. Which is a negative outlook, but it comes from experience, which Olivia does not have.
I agree with both characters. I think it’s important to use a cautious mix of these two views.
I have to agree with Merritt on this one. Not everyone is as good as they pretend to be. Olivia is young and kind of naive. She hasn’t been around long enough to see how human nature can be.
Both are correct. Merritt’s statement was true and correct, but it is a dark way to view the world and the people in it.
I wish I was an optimist, but even if I had ever been one, life has shown me a very different side of people. I am surprised when people are good and kind, and I wish I didn’t feel that way.