"An optimist is a guy that has never had much experience"

Don Marquis' quote recommends that optimism is an outcome of a lack of experience. An optimist is someone who has not yet come across the difficulties of life and is therefore ignorant to the truths of the world. They might be excessively optimistic about the future, thinking that whatever will end up alright in the end. This naivety can be seen as a positive quality, as it allows them to remain enthusiastic and favorable in the face of misfortune. However, it can also be seen as an unfavorable trait, as it can cause impractical expectations and an absence of preparation for the difficulties that life can bring. Eventually, Don Marquis' quote implies that optimism is a result of lack of experience, which as one gains more experience, their optimism might be tempered by the realities of life.