Cynicism

Diogenes Searching for an Honest Man

Attributed to Johann Heinrich Wilhelm Tischbein (c.1780)

One of the first characters in philosophy which I can remember from grade school was Diogenes.  In my memory, I can still see a painting of him strolling through the market place, holding up his lantern, always proclaiming to be looking for an "honest" man.  Good luck with that.  I am also a cynic, but I believe that man can at least aspire to greater righteousness.  Being a cynic means you immediately judge yourself to be less than perfect but, then, no one is perfect, not even Diogenes.

cyn·i·cism:  

(noun)

An inclination to believe 

that people are motivated 

purely by self-interest.

I think the definition of "cynicism" is a definition of humankind.  If you're a cynic, you must be human.  No argument from me; it is our nature, right?  Are we all "motivated purely by self-interest" or is there something more?  Those that aren't cynics then, by this definition, are truly blessed.  Yet, I can't help but think that even in our altruism we are driven by self-interest.  Again, I find myself always the cynic.  

A new friend of mine recently asked me, "You must trust mankind even easier than I do. I feel you don't have a cynical bone in your body...how is that?"  This statement proved two things.  One, he doesn't really know me.  Two, he needs to read up on cynicism.

My answer to him was simple: I always try to tell the truth, as I see it.  I have great faith in mankind.  It is my faith that they will, eventually and with the best of intentions, muck everything up.  They do this because it is virtually impossible for us to keep self-interest out of anything.  Knowing this, however, it is easier for me to be amazed when things go right and less disheartening for me when they don't.  Expect nothing and you will always be amazed at the universe around you.  Expect everything and you invite disappointment.  It is what it is until it isn't, and then it is what it is again.

Expect nothing and you will always be amazed at the universe around you.  Expect everything and you invite disappointment.

Is this cynical?  Probably,  in a back door kind of way.  I knew someone you could almost always expect nothing from.  I was asked why I don't expect the best from him, and I answered that I tried, and he almost always disappoints. It was like he goes out of his way to give you nothing.  I met with him and was honest concerning my feelings about this.  I asked him to do himself a favor - prove me wrong!  I said for him to do himself a favor, be better than people expect.  Truth be known, I'm probably the only person who has ever been up front and in his face about it.  It wasn't what he wanted to hear, but it had to be said regardless.  Last I heard, he has managed to clean up his act, whether due to our discussion, of his own volition,  or perhaps, due to both.  I was happy to hear, for his own sake, that he has become more.  

There is nothing wrong with being disappointed in someone, but it does little good unless you make them aware of it and tell them why.  I think most people want to excel.  They want to do better.  I think many of us just want to be challenged by someone, or something. 

I also think most of us harbor some hidden amount of cynicism, and I've always found it in those who most strongly deny any cynicism of their own.  

Many times I've had people say I need to think positively about mankind.  Alright then, here it goes:  I am positively certain, given enough rope, anyone can hang themselves or trip on all of it and hit their head.  In either case, it will most likely be an accident.  You know, kind of like blowing the planet up.  Oops...  Perhaps this is evidence of my cynicism.  Do yourself a favor, though, and prove me wrong.  Disappoint me.  I dare you.

"If you tell the truth they only say you're cynical and it does an author no good to get a reputation for cynicism."

-- W. Somerset Maugham

Consider this statement made by Somerset Maugham, "It does an author no good to get a reputation for cynicism."  Maybe not, but Maugham's philosophy would prove out the definition of cynicism in that "people are motivated purely by self-interest."  Personally, I would rather hear from an honest cynic than an author whose opinion changes with the wind through some denial of his own cynicism.

This is just my opinion and, as flawed as it is, we know that everybody has at least one if only to protect their own self-interests.  We are cynics, after all.  

Editor's Note

(Re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card)

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider an alternate viewpoint. 

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion, in an arena of mutual respect, concerning those opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience, and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 22 years with United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with the premier, world renowned, Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research. Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, and wages his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteers as lead Chaplain and Chaplain Program Liaison, at the regional medical center.