Today I found quite a number of articles in the online editions of newspapers of note about Nouriel Roubini’s pessimism concerning the global economic outlook. He teaches economics at New York University. Also, he was one of the few economists who predicted the last bust. “Apocalyptic!” some newspapers comment his recent interview. “The pessimist has outdone himself!” comment others. But everything I have read about the interview sounds to me just obvious. Yes, we are staring depression in the face. More important, there is no way out of the economic, social, and political mess we are now facing. I have been saying this for years, and this is not out of some pessimistic streak of my temperament or character. The same holds for Roubini. He seems to me to be a perfectly normal person. His apocalyptic vision has to do with the world around him rather than his personal propensities. But it is wonderful to have him around. Optimism is outright dangerous in dire times. Roubini’s global economic outlook, pessimistic as it is, can only help people prepare for the worst. Which is why I, too, do not mince my words about the depression ahead.