Being a pessimist is better than being an optimist or a "realist." Time almost always proves you correct, and very occasionally, you're pleasantly surprised!

It's just proves objectively true over time. I specifically said time usually proves you correct, not that you'll probably be correct.

That isn't hoping, that's just observation from experience. Things don't usually go for the best generally. You don't need to look forward to come to that conclusion.