Many an optimist has become rich by buying out a pessimist.

I thought that made sense. If I'm not wrong in interpreting the quote, it means a situation between an optimist [being the counselor/therapist/psychologist etc] and a pesimist [depressed people who often sees life as a torture to them]. Now.. I've been pretty active in Life Issues Forum online. And I know very well how much money these therapist makes. I have an online who works as a professional therapist and has made THOUSANDS of US dollars because of these pessimist who comes to her to get help. The thing that makes me laugh is this. Basically.. what the quote is trying to say.. "Be an optimist. You stand to make money out of these pessimist." *giggles*

Treat your friend as if he might become an enemy.

I can NEVER in my WHOLE life stress on this. Your friends may just backstab you in the end which is why I am, (1) extremely selective when choosing friends and (2) suspicious of any new friends. Moral of the story: BEWARE OF ME. MY TEETHS ARE SHARP.