Take a Cynic to Lunch

Ennyman/A.I. collaboration

On my bookshelf I have a small booklet called Cynicism, by Daniel Taylor, published in 1982 by InterVarsity Press. As I was pulling another book off my shelf this weekend, Taylor's book fell to the floor. As I picked it up I was reminded of a statement someone made once years ago on this topic: "Take a cynic to lunch." 

Cynicism as a worldview is characterized by skepticism toward human motives, institutions, or sincerity. It has both advantages and drawbacks. Here are some of the pros and cons for your consideration.

Pros of Cynicism 

Cynicism produces a questioning mindset, encouraging individuals to look beyond surface-level intentions and scrutinize claims. The best journalists have their antennae out to protect against manipulation, scams, or blind trust in flawed sources. For example, a cynic might avoid falling for overly optimistic promises in politics or business by demanding evidence. They are less likely to be deceived by fraudulent schemes due to their distrustful nature.

On the personal level, cynicism can act as a defense mechanism, shielding individuals from disappointment by lowering expectations. By assuming the worst, cynics may feel less hurt when outcomes fall short, as they’re mentally prepared for failure. 

Cynicism about societal flaws can become a catalyst to drive advocacy for change. Courageous cynics are often behind the push for accountability and transparency. Journalist Seymour Hersh was shocked to see the Washington press corp blindly accepting the prepared statements from the White House and Pentagon regarding the Vietnam War. As a result, he went to Vietnam and strove to see first hand what was really happening. His pursuit of the My Lai story resulted in an increased public awareness of the morally repugnant nature of this conflict.

Cons of Cynicism

There's a downside, however, to chronic cynicism. It can erode trust in others, leading to strained relationships and loneliness. Cynics may struggle to form deep connections, assuming others are always self-interested, which can alienate friends or colleagues. 

The "Existential Hero" myth -- I am self-sufficient and need no one --is an unhealthy product of pop culture that many people buy into. Distrust corrodes our relationships. Studies have shown that high cynicism leads to reduced social support and lower life satisfaction.

Constant negativity and distrust can also contribute to stress, anxiety, or depression. Cynics may miss out on optimism’s psychological benefits, like resilience or hope, which are attributes of better mental well-being.

By always assuming there are hidden motives, cynics may dismiss genuine opportunities or goodwill. This can hinder personal growth, collaboration, or innovation by rejecting potentially positive ventures. 

In short, cynicism is a double-edged sword. While it sharpens critical thinking and protects against naivety, the cynic's stance risks isolating individuals and fostering negativity. Balancing cynicism with openness—sometimes called “healthy skepticism” or what Christians refer to as "discernment"—can maximize its benefits while mitigating its downsides.  

Are you a cynic? Do you want to talk about it? Feel free to leave a comment.

Cynicism's Consequence

Are there more bad things happening today than there used to be? Is there more to be concerned about? Is there more now to worry about? Or is part of the problem that we have more access to it all via the media? It's hard to tell. I know that these questions were being discussed ten, twenty, thirty and forty years ago. Everywhere we look in the newspapers and on the TV and now on the Internet, we read stories of crises and injustice and abuse and violence.

The net effect of all these negative stories is an increasing weight on the shoulders of our souls. After a while this weight can become crushing, and we drift from being idealistic about the future into a smothering fog of apathy or stained by a corrosive cynicism. Both mindsets are a paradigm shift from the youthful zeal we once waved like standard-bearers marching into a future made better by our confidence and energy.

What happened?

Cynicism has been defined as "an attitude of scornful or jaded negativity, especially a general distrust of the integrity or professed motives of others."* The comic strip Dilbert capitalizes on this attitude in a workplace environment. Gossip rags fill their coffers by unearthing the dark side of the celebrity circuit. Washington pundits shine a light into the corners of peoples' hidden agendas, liaisons, mixed motives... or by suggestion the implication of such.

Crime, craziness, crackheads, creepy stalkers... betrayals by those in authority... the uncovering of hidden agendas... These things are not what make us cynical. Cynicism happens when we allow those external events to come inside us. We have no control over all the stuff that is happening out there, but we do have control over our response to it. If we allow ourselves to be poisoned, it is our own fault.

Jesus once talked to a woman about an inner well filled from within by streams of living water. Too often we let the media pollute us with streams of contaminated water.

I was recently watching a Western film where the wagon train had come across a pool of water that carried the sign "Bad water." As thirsty as they were, they would not let their horses get refreshed there and they had to move on. We need to be vigilant about the water we're drinking from. There's poison all around.

Resist the temptation to give up or give in. Let's each do our part, as much as within our power, to make this world a better place.

*The Free Dictionary by Farlex