In defense of cynicism, since it seems to be getting a bad rap around here, there are a few things I would like to say:

1. Cynicism is a learned behavior. No one is born cynical -- I know that's hard to believe -- but you tend to become more and more cynical when people are constantly placing bombs in your car or throwing Chia pets through your windows at 3:22 in the morning.

2. Cynicism, underneath it all, is a survival skill, much like jousting or synchronized swimming. Properly applied, cynicism allows us to avoid being abused by the same schemes (and, often, the same people) we've been hurt by before.

3. Cynicism contains no harmful additives, is caffeine-free, and has never been shown to cause mange or Dutch Elm Disease.

4. If Charles Darwin were alive today, he would be almost unimaginably old. But he would also say (assuming his mind was still intact, which, at that age, would be a miracle) that cynicism is actually just another means of "natural selection," i.e., the cynical among us are inherently more careful about getting involved in things that might be bad for them. Which, in turn, leads to a longer life span, and more opportunities to pass those cynical genes on to the next generation, if only there was anyone worth meeting on a dating site.

5. People who are not cynical are obviously possessed by demons.

In closing, let me just say that cynicism, despite its ugly reputation and the fact that most people can't spell it, is actually our friend.

I propose that we all lobby for an International Cynicism Day, although I doubt that anyone will take it seriously.

It is a good thing as long as it's properly applied. I'm in. Can Cynicism day be in March?

Sign me up. Hell, I'll RUN the damn thing.

I guess I'm there. I could have rented that last apartment. But overviewing their records. I see the man has been busted three times for B&E. I couldn't do that to the downstairs tenant. I dont beleive that people change that much.
So here I sit waiting for the phone to ring.

Chia pets ???

Sure, be cynical sometimes. Let it help you be careful and make sure you don't rush into things. But, don't let it overrun your life. Don't let it take over and get rid of all the fun and enjoyment in life.

I'm not sure.
What's the catch?

I used to be the type of person who always saw the world through "rose-colored glasses". But not anymore. After too many times of being let down, crapped on, and having one disappointment after another, I had enough. Being cynical has gotten me a lot farther in life. I see things a lot clearer, and there are a lot less surprises.

Some say I'm being negative in my way of thinking, but for me, it works.

I'll even admit that my way of thinking has rubbed off on my daughter. But at least she will go into the world with a clear head then thinking life is going to all fun and games.

I knew I liked you for a reason, Carmen!

Well, I'm glad one person thinks my way of thinking is okay!

Don't get me wrong....the majority of lifes situations I approach with the practical reality of hard nosed, expecting the worst, kind of cynisizm. (This ain't my first rodeo)

However, I tend to force some good natured stupidity and unreasonable hopefulness onto those around me just to knock the edge off things.

Let's face it...when I approached everything from a strictly practical/rational viewpoint...I just got jaded, irritated (a lot) and found that life pretty much sucked.

Sure, I never cease to be amazed at peoples stupidity and ignorance but....it only makes me feel better about myself. Besides...it appears to me that the people who take stuff too seriously all the time are the ones with all the grey hair.

edit: Lex!!! Friggen awesome original post man!

Every grey hair is earned, my friend. I have no problem recognizing that. Life DOES suck, by and large. Nothing is carved in stone.

I've had the SAME experience- but i choose to see the glass half full- I respect those that don't...
but I gotta look on the bright side of life,
just who I am...

Cynicism is the new black.

I always incorporate it as key accessory to my wardrobe. Even when nude, I just wear it in my hair. I even got my Jeep in it.

Besides, it makes for a sense of humour that is far distanced from any herd.

That's often just a cynic who is cautiously optimistic.

hahahahaha My lazy @ss has earned three of them. Ahhhhhhhh the rewards of being a mental juvenile delinquent....

Thanks, K -- it's nice to be appreciated. And even nicer when people get the point of the whole thing!

Hey celebrate glass 1/2 empty all ya want Lex .. no argument here.

Again, my question on the other thread (that this thread worked off of ) is ...


HOW'S THAT WORKIN' FOR YA?




If it keeps you in reality check .. hey more power to ya.

Damn right I get it! I don't care what anyone thinks...Synchronized swimming IS a survival skill!