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The product of a deeply cynical mind is a self-fulfilling prophecy of failure that one worships with religious fervor. This prophecy justifies infinite paths of self-destruction, laziness, & harm to others. To be deeply cynical about life would result in concluding that our efforts to improve the world around us are futile, and human life is intrinsically wasteful. The optimistic view is that all human life is uniquely meaningful and has a purpose, regardless of one’s circumstances.
Cynicism is not the “realistic” or “practical” way of viewing the world. It is typically a mindset that you adopt as an excuse to not push yourself. I do this sometimes, and at some point you have done this as well. You’re smart enough to know that your chances of being highly successful and impactful are improbable, and your lack of confidence has you believe that you could not possibly be in that successful category. Thus you can shrug your intrinsic responsibility to take action in life.
Think of all the time we have wasted from not taking the approach of naive optimism. “Naive” is not meant to mean that we are not aware of the facts of life, & the reality that there are external forces that can prevent our success; it is to say that we will exercise all possible agency over our destiny, regardless of the end result. We are optimistic that we can create a deterministic reality for ourselves where the universe recognizes our constant efforts and straightens our path, one way or another. Naive optimism is taking the path of action, regardless of the outcome. Even that sheer act of applying ourselves to our goals, rather than giving up, contains all necessary justification.
Whenever we can, we should recognize our cynical thoughts and replace them with optimistic ones. When we recognize cynicism around us in the media or in other people, we should either avoid it or correct it. You can’t afford to be cynical, because it will sap your drive & energy. You may say that being cynical is being realistic. We don’t want to be realistic. We want to be realistic and optimistic. Accept the world the way it is; all the uncertainty and bad things taking place in the world, and then find your resolve to work for a better tomorrow.
(9/2/2024) This podcast confirms much of my bias: Dr. Jamil Zaki: How to Cultivate a Positive, Growth-Oriented Mindset. Basically, if you consistently search for the worst in others, and the world, then you’ll find it. Choose your self-fulfilling prophecy wisely.