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If you’re someone that cares about what goes on in the world but want to understand our problems more deeply to form your own opinion, this newsletter is for you.
Cynicism is not indicative of intelligence.
Though it may not be verbalised, people often treat cynicism like a superior form of intelligence. It doesn’t happen out of nowhere. We’re all familiar with the stereotype of the moody, misanthropic intellect who feels eternally isolated by the stupidity of others. Not to mention how the online space, where we spend a guilt-inducing amount of time, fuels pessimism. But it’s not as if there is no truth to the idea that an unvarnished view of reality can be, well...bleak.
Depressive realism is a hypothesis developed by psychologists Lauren Alloy and Lyn Yvone Abramson in the 1970’s.
While the typical idea is that depressed people suffer from an extreme negativity bias causing dysfunction, negative thoughts, and maladaptive behaviours, they argue that the depressed individual could have a more accurate assessment of reality, in contrast with the non-depressed individual who has a rose-tinted view.
Several studies suggest there is not enough evidence to support this theory. Yet various forms of the same idea remain popular. For instance, Jiddhu Krishnamurti famously said, “It’s no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society.” In other words, a negative response is natural given the state of worldly affairs. And in political circles you’ll be reminded that if “You’re not angry, you’re not paying attention.”
Given the vast selection of spirit-crushing problems we face, the idea that cynicism is a by-product of a better grasp of reality is consoling. It allows us to become comfortable in our misery. Rather than recognizing their own negativity, the cynic convinces themselves that their grim worldview is a sign of heightened awareness. And of course, responding in bad feeling to the chaos that surrounds us is proof that we have a pulse, but that doesn’t mean it’s a display of absolute clarity.
Still, among those who shape popular opinion be they academics, activists, public intellectuals, or political commentators, cynicism has become the order of the day. Viewing cynicism as synonymous with intelligence has left many in the habit of problematizing, which wears down their ability to interpret events charitably. The result is an environment of deep distrust where despair is fomented in the name of truth.
This isn’t to say we should downplay the severity of the issues we face in an idealistic attempt to create a harmonious atmosphere. However, going in the opposite direction is not helping. Indeed, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a person interested in serious cultural matters who has never succumbed to nihilism or existential dread.
But this is precisely how we should regard the cynical attitude that seems inseparable from social awareness: a phase, rather than the final meeting point for enlightened ideas.
Unfortunately, many people get stuck at this stage. For those who highly value intellectual rigor and critical thinking, it can be tempting to believe that if one is not cynical, they must be naive. Such types would prefer to see themselves as intellectually sophisticated and bitter rather than have anyone think they're starry-eyed and simple.
Yet, things are not so straightforward. When you chronically believe that the glass is half empty, you live in a prison of your own design. Abandoning the opportunity to enjoy things, seeking truth in vain only to find mounting disdain and distrust of others.
People who attempt to see the positives are not automatically simple. Many have learned the hard way that cynicism obliterates joy.
Cynics think they are pursuing truth, but they often seek confirmation that the world is as wretched as they perceive it to be.
Despite popular opinion, you don’t have to be naïve to avoid cynicism. You only need to recognise that it’s a contributing element to our cultural malaise. It is not difficult to see that our world suffers from a sense of powerlessness and meaninglessness. All cynicism does is exacerbate the very feelings that ultimately create more problems.
Despite this, we should not think ill of the cynic. As George Carlin reminds us, “Inside every cynical person is a disappointed idealist.” Often, the cynic adopts this view as a protection against a world they feel profoundly let down by. In essence, they are unable to believe that people won’t ultimately disappoint them.
However, even the cynic recognizes the cost of their viewpoint. The opportunity to lead a life where one does not continually feel under threat and helpless.
It's time to appreciate that one of the highest forms of intelligence is the ability to face the horrors of the world without becoming bitter, insensitive, and cynical. Because few things are as tragic as a brilliant mind hijacked by fear.
Your Turn
Think about what role cynicism plays in your life and what being a cynic means to you. Our relationship to the concept of cynicism and optimism is often the bigger factor in what lens we choose to apply.
What does the culture around you (friends, family, the media you consume) associate a cynical outlook with? What do you associate a cynical outlook with? (Ex: maturity, depression, intelligence, etc).
Think of a recent situation where you had the chance to apply a cynical or optimistic outlook; it can be as basic as getting a comment on social media. Examine that situation for how your cynicism or optimism could’ve influenced your experience and actions. How would the outcome change if your outlook did?
Engineer your outlook challenge. Commit to a single day of intentionally monitoring yourself for cynicism vs optimism; we all cycle between the two. Take notes on when you found yourself most leaning towards cynicism and reflect on what it would look and feel like to choose a more optimistic or just neutral lens.
Share your thoughts in the comments to help us create a community of thinkers who can tackle our societal issues. We’re all about shared perspectives here.