It's Ok to Be Cynical
Reading Hope for Cynics: The Surprising Science of Human Goodness reminded me of this quote:
Scratch a cynic, you’ll find a disappointed idealist.
– George Carlin
In our youth, we often embrace the role of idealists, filled with boundless optimism and a vision of how the world could be. However, as the passage of time marks our bodies with the first signs of aging, like the sprouting of a single gray hair, a transformation seems to occur. We begin to yield to the cynical aspects of our nature. It’s as if the harsh realities of life chip away at the rosy-tinted glasses of our idealism.
Maybe this is simply the natural progression of life. Maybe there isn’t inherently anything wrong with adopting a somewhat cynical perspective. After all, cynicism can be seen as a defense mechanism, a way to protect ourselves from the potential disappointments that come with having high hopes. And perhaps, what many people label as “disillusionment” is, in fact, a form of personal growth. It could be a moment of enlightenment, where we shed the naive beliefs of our youth and gain a more realistic understanding of the world.
It’s entirely okay to be a cynic. Cynicism doesn’t have to be a negative trait. It can be a lens through which we view the world with a more discerning eye. It can prompt us to question the status quo, to seek out the truth beneath the surface. While idealism fuels our dreams and aspirations, cynicism can ground us in the practicalities of existence.
So, if you find yourself leaning towards cynicism, don’t be too quick to dismiss it. Embrace it as a part of your evolving understanding of life and the world around you.