Can someone please explain the red and blue pills?

I understand the debate between optimistic verses realistic, and that people who are overly optimistic can often wish for things that are unlikely or even impossible. But, not every optimistic wish in history has been unanswered. The realists often have leaned towards being entirely too negative, to where they can easily become viewed as pessimistic instead of realistic. That being said though, many realists are pessimistic over things that often have been or likely will be and are true, so I can't say that I cannot ever relate to where they're coming from. Since surprisingly good things can happen, although not nearly as often as many optimists wish for, I'd say that the best way to be is to hope for good things while at the same time to not ever lean onto that hope to where you're expecting it.