| Mar 7, 2006 @ 2:22 PM |
Cynicism
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MotownManiax
Posts: 9,737
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Again, I know this topic has probably been done, but I did a search and nothing came back, so I'm going for it.
I know the accepted view is that its ok to be skeptical, to ask questions, to never take something at face value unless you have a firm basis that it's true or the person giving the information is genuine.
But Cynicism? The definition being: faultfinding captious critic…especially: one who believes that human conduct is motivated wholly by self-interest.
Is this "ever" healthy?
I've been cynical. We all have at one point or another. It's part of the human psyche to be that at least once in our lives. But cynicism so profound and pervasive that it seeps into everything we do, everything we should believe in – business, military, government, our leaders – deadens all hope, and only insures a residue of hate and despair in it's wake. No earthly good can come from it.
I recently ran across a book in Borders that contained great American speeches, and one caught my eye (out of many, of course). It was Al Gore's commencement address at Harvard way back in 1994, and it spoke to this very subject in words and tone that should make all you hardcore cynics think twice, and hopefully compel one enough to look up and read the entire text.
Just one passage…
"…In any event, cynicism represented then and represents now a secession from society, a dissolution of the bonds between people and families and communities, an indifference to the fate of anything or anyone beyond the self.
Cynicism is deadly. It bites everything it can reach --like a dog with a foot caught in a trap. And then it devours itself. It drains us of the will to improve; it diminishes our public spirit; it saps our inventiveness; it withers our souls.
Cynics often see themselves as merely being world-weary. There is no new thing under the sun, the cynics say. They have not only seen everything; they have seen through everything. They claim that their weariness is wisdom. But it is usually merely posturing….
Hope for society as a whole is considered an affront to rationality; the notion that the individual has a responsibility for the community is considered a dangerous radicalism. And those who toil in quiet places and for little reward...are regarded as fools."
Frankly, I see a lot of cynicism in these forums. Many people don't believe in anything but themselves, and certainly don't trust government or business, even though we all pay taxes and buy products, thus have a direct connection to these things.
To me, most of it seems irrational; just fear and loathing for injustices wholly unproven or blown way out of proportion.
Do you think you are a cynic? Have you ever been accused of one but simply don't accept it?...lol.
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| Mar 7, 2006 @ 2:29 PM |
Cynicism |
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Loreli
Posts: 25,401
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1. I don't always believe in myself
2. I work for the government, with have to abstain from that opinion. Business is business-but the ones we need to survive shouldn't gouge.
3. Yes I am cynical in some areas. I think everyone(?) is to a degree.
I try to make up for my downfalls by being there for others when I can. But I could be oh so much better....
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| Mar 7, 2006 @ 2:35 PM |
Cynicism
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MotownManiax
Posts: 9,737
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Well, from your limited post you definitely are NOT a hardcore cynic, Loreli....which is reassuring.(lol)
I don't want to name names, but I'm still waiting for some that "I" consider die-in-the-wool cynics to respond...
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| Mar 7, 2006 @ 2:39 PM |
Cynicism |
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TiNkErGrRrRrR
Posts: 13,813
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Well I`m far from being world weary..since I don`t know much at all about the world around me..
Cynical in the sense that I believe that some people will never change.. 
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| Mar 7, 2006 @ 2:51 PM |
Cynicism
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MotownManiax
Posts: 9,737
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Thx for sharing, Tinks. 
A lot of people would agree with you. Some people never change because they've never shown the capacity to change.
Another passage from Gore's speech....
"...A recent analysis of public opinion polling data [again, this is from 1994] covering the years since my class came to Harvard demonstrates the cumulative change in our national mood.
When my class entered as freshmen in the fall of 1965, the percentage of people who believed that government generally tries to do the right thing was over 60%. Today it is only 10%.
The percentage believing that government favors the rich and the powerful was then 29%. Today it is 80%.
And it is important to note that these trends hold true for Democrats and Republicans, conservatives and liberals...."
I can only guess how bad the numbers are now? 
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| Mar 7, 2006 @ 3:05 PM |
Cynicism |
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TiNkErGrRrRrR
Posts: 13,813
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Thx for sharing, Tinks
Wish i could comment on the rest of your post but like i said I`m not a worldly person meaning I don`t much care for what goes on in the world so I don`t keep up to date on things that happen around me.I`m a firm believer in No News Is Good News..perhaps that makes me cynical after all.  
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| Mar 7, 2006 @ 4:48 PM |
Cynicism
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kattsmeow
Posts: 22,625
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But Cynicism? The definition being: faultfinding captious critic…especially: one who believes that human conduct is motivated wholly by self-interest.
I need my dictionary,,,be back soon. 
I'm back,,,,,here is what I found....
Main Entry: gall
Part of Speech: noun
Definition: nerve
Synonyms: acrimony, animosity, arrogance, bitterness, brashness, brass, brazenness, cheek, chutzpah, conceit, confidence, crust, Cynicism, effrontery, guts, haughtiness, hostility, impertinence, impudence, insolence, malevolence, malice, overbearance, pomposity, presumption, rancor, sauciness, self-importance, spite, venom
http://thesaurus.reference.com/search?q=Cynicism
[Edited on 3/7/2006 5:22 PM]
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| Mar 7, 2006 @ 6:57 PM |
Cynicism |
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Greystone1
Posts: 1,677
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If cynicism is seeing through the obvious BS (especially coming from politicians), then a cynic I am and a cynic I will always be.
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| Mar 7, 2006 @ 8:38 PM |
Cynicism
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sunchaser59
Posts: 528
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Motown:
Frankly, I see a lot of cynicism in these forums
 ? I wonder which is worse...cynicism or being judgemental and self righteous? Probably depends on who ya ask, right?
I, honestly, don't understand why people aren't more accepting of different views and opinions without assuming the attack mode. 
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| Mar 7, 2006 @ 8:53 PM |
Cynicism |
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Jankia
Posts: 11,900
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Frankly, I see a lot of cynicism in these forums. Many people don't believe in anything but themselves, and certainly don't trust government or business, even though we all pay taxes and buy products, thus have a direct connection to these things.
I agree with what you see.
Im not cynical but thou there are quite a few on here.Greystone is an admitted cynic,but he is a good one.
Cynicism on a constant basis by those that never provide an alternative to said topic has no merit with me whatsoever.
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| Mar 7, 2006 @ 9:07 PM |
Cynicism
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sunchaser59
Posts: 528
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Jankia:
Greystone is an admitted cynic,but he is a good one.
See what I mean, who died and left you the right to decide who is good and bad? 
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| Mar 7, 2006 @ 9:22 PM |
Cynicism |
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Jankia
Posts: 11,900
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See what I mean, who died and left you the right to decide who is good and bad?
Read the damn post.
Nobody had to "die",my right to say whatever I please,I will do.
I distinctly said "Cynicism on a constant basis by those that never provide an alternative to said topic has no merit with me whatsoever."
Greystone provides alternatives......GOOD
Cynicism without......BAD
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| Mar 7, 2006 @ 9:40 PM |
Cynicism
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sunchaser59
Posts: 528
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Jankia:
Greystone provides alternatives......GOOD
Cynicism without......BAD
You're deciding, once again?.
Nobody had to "die",my right to say whatever I please,I will do.
Yep, and will you "allow" others do the same?
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| Mar 7, 2006 @ 9:40 PM |
Cynicism |
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GraciePa
Posts: 355
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One should not cast the stone, cause it is a mirror image! Hummmm It happens when things go
Janika
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| Mar 7, 2006 @ 9:49 PM |
Cynicism
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Jankia
Posts: 11,900
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Please tell me what your problem is here sunchaser,I would really like an educated answer because no matter where you look I have never disallowed anyones opinion.
You're deciding, once again?.
Geeees...Of course I'm deciding,its my simple opinion.
Thankyou Gracie,at least someone can interpret what I wrote.
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| Mar 7, 2006 @ 9:53 PM |
Cynicism |
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sciurusniger
Posts: 2,958
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Yo, sunchaser - lighten up.
Jankia voiced his OPINION. He didn't say everyone else has to agree with him.
If you took it that way, that's your problem. Not his. He's participating properly here.
Geezus...some people's kids....
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| Mar 7, 2006 @ 10:08 PM |
Cynicism
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GraciePa
Posts: 355
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sciur my thoughts exactly! Jankia said nothing out of the ordinary. Some people do need to lighten up at times. Not someone who is always negative and attacking. Ones who blames others should take a look at themselves. 
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| Mar 7, 2006 @ 10:09 PM |
Cynicism |
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sunchaser59
Posts: 528
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Yo, sunchaser - lighten up.
Jankia voiced his OPINION. He didn't say everyone else has to agree with him.
If you took it that way, that's your problem. Not his. He's participating properly here.
Geezus...some people's kids....
sci...
And, I voiced mine and am quite aware that no one has to agree with it but thank you for your input.
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| Mar 7, 2006 @ 10:15 PM |
Cynicism
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Loreli
Posts: 25,401
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Sunchaser-
sometimes people get into awfully healthy debates here. They aren't always judgemental or self-righteous. They aren't always attacking, some are defense of point. Sometimes they are just extremely heartfelt feelings.
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| Mar 7, 2006 @ 10:24 PM |
Cynicism |
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sunchaser59
Posts: 528
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sciursniger:
He's participating properly here.
Will somebody please tell me what is considered proper, on here? Is it agreeing with everyone and what they have to say, or what?
You guys need to lighten up and be a little more forgiving of those of us that don't understand the "forum rules".
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