"We normally characterize an optimist as someone who sees his glass as being half full rather than half empty. For a Stoic, though, this degree of optimism would only be a starting point. After expressing his appreciation that his glass is half full rather than being completely empty, he will go on to express his delight in even having a glass: It could, after all, have been broken or stolen. And if he is atop his Stoic game, he might go on to comment about what an astonishing thing glass vessels are: They are cheap and fairly durable, impart no taste to what we put in them, and—miracle of miracles!—allow us to see what they contain. This might sound a bit silly, but to someone who has not lost his capacity for joy, the world is a wonderful place. To such a person, glasses are amazing; to everyone else, a glass is just a glass, and it is half empty to boot."
Irvine, William B. (2008-11-04). A Guide to the Good Life : The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy (pp. 73-74). Oxford University Press, USA. Kindle Edition.
Irvine, William B. (2008-11-04). A Guide to the Good Life : The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy (pp. 73-74). Oxford University Press, USA. Kindle Edition.