nektros - Cynicism in a Hot Dish

Skeptic. Doubter. Pessimist.

Realist.

Like your typical Scorpio or misanthropist, cynics tend to be recognised more for their (perceived) negative qualities than their less petty attributes.

cynicism

– The belief that people are motivated purely by self-interest, rather than acting for honourable or unselfish reasons.

– To question whether something will happen, or whether it will be worthwhile.

Long-time readers here will be familiar with the above definition. Not-so-long-time readers, too, will have their preconceived notions of the cynic.

That said, who could possibly look at the general definition of this site’s modus operandi and feel love spring everlasting bloody eternal?

You. From now, until forever.

P1: You’re so cynical, Yvonne. [universal huff of disdain]

Me: Your right to pass unmitigated judgement on my personal opinions just expired, asshole.

While no conversation in the history of the spoken word has ever passed like the one above (unless you specialise in insulting your friends politely), I’ve found myself increasingly barraged with the same underlying sentiment.

Cynicism is bad. It makes you depressed. You hate life. God, get out of my fucking sight. You’re disrupting my fucking chi.

Cynicism, in fact, is one of the most misunderstood tenets of basic human nature.

People are generally turned off by negativity – but cynicism is so much more than that. And over the next week, expect to see laid out in detail the many reasons why cynics-at-heart shouldn’t have to hide behind a sickening veil of crowd-pleasing idealism.

Consider that your first example.

(Go forward to Part 2 and Part 3 of this series)