Where Does Cynicism Come From?

Discussion in 'Philosophy & Psychology' started by Jack Roberts, Aug 4, 2021.

  1. Jack Roberts

    Jack Roberts Very Well-Known Member
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    I know where it ends up at, in forums much like these. But where does it begin? Seniors in particular seem to me and men in particular, to be a bit more cynical than would seem average. What are your thoughts?
     
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  2. Nancy Hart

    Nancy Hart Supreme Member
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    I don't know, but I think it's contagious.
     
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  3. Jack Roberts

    Jack Roberts Very Well-Known Member
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    Yep, it’s too bad that there isn’t a vaccine for that. But once infected, I don’t think it goes away. And the ones most likely to become infected probably wouldn’t get vaccinated anyway.
     
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  4. D'Ellyn Dottir

    D'Ellyn Dottir Very Well-Known Member
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    I'd venture to guess that cynicism comes from hanging out with cynics or from too many disappointments and having one's illusions smashed. So yes, as @Nancy Hart says, it's often contagious. And maybe seniors have just enough life experiences that didn't work out the way we've hoped, as to be a bit cynical.

    I'm not sure it's a gendered thing. Maybe women just have more experience at putting on a happy face when not at all feeling upbeat.
     
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  5. Lon Tanner

    Lon Tanner Supreme Member
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    I think it comes from personal things that we have seen, read, heard or experienced.
     
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  6. Teresa Levitt

    Teresa Levitt Veteran Member
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    it comes from what people do to hurrt you...
     
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  7. Marie Mallery

    Marie Mallery Veteran Member
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    I agree.
     
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  8. Marie Mallery

    Marie Mallery Veteran Member
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    Basically I tend to agree with all above post.
     
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  9. Ken Anderson

    Ken Anderson Senior Staff
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    Cynicism is a protective mechanism, and much more useful than ignorance and gullibility.
     
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  10. Marie Mallery

    Marie Mallery Veteran Member
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    Should have read this 'before' I talked to my youngest daughter on phone yesterday,lol.
     
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  11. Marie Mallery

    Marie Mallery Veteran Member
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    I'm just going along to get along but in this time of trouble it is dangerous to speak out.Anyone paying attention has to be cynical.
     
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  12. Ed Wilson

    Ed Wilson Veteran Member
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    SNAFU (situation normal, all fkt up)
     
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  13. Bobby Cole

    Bobby Cole Supreme Member
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    In this world it’s hard Not to be cynical. If it isn’t the politicking politicians it’s the media spreading more politicking like it’s fermented jam on a biscuit. Looks good but tastes like crap.
    Then we have non-scientists spewing scientific rhetoric as if they actually understood what they’re saying and of course there’s those folks who can’t figure out what sex they are but are out there trying to tell everyone that DNA doesn’t matter.

    I rent four houses and each and every month at least one renter gives me some excuse why they can’t pay the rent. When I see that empty big screen tv box on the side of the road or a person tells me that their bank account was hacked forgetting that it’s the same excuse they gave 4 months prior I get a bit perturbed and yes, totally distrusting. (as if I trust anyone anyway)
    There’s no space in my brain for rent. I rent houses.

    Ya know, the real straw that breaks the camel’s back is that I was in the Christian rescue mission ministry on and off for 23 years and to be quite candid, I found more honesty in those ranks of the homeless than I have found in the ranks of a couple of churches I have attended and I’m being asked what brings on cynicism?

    I’m a cynic and proud of it. I study everything around me and try to take everything I hear with a grain of salt unless I’m absolutely sure that it is the truth.
    Even then, sometimes even a grain of salt won’t sweeten someone’s words enough to totally consume.

    On my board, very few pass go and very few collect because in my way of thinking of things, the dice a major portion of people use are loaded.
     
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    Last edited: Oct 24, 2021
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  14. Beth Gallagher

    Beth Gallagher Supreme Member
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    Life experiences shape a person's outlook, and humanity never fails to disappoint.
     
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  15. Marie Mallery

    Marie Mallery Veteran Member
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    But ignorance is bliss ,isn't it?:D
    Works for me sometimes.
     
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