Cynicism
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Additional Information for Chapter 4, page 47Cynicism is not discussed directly in The Compatibility Code, but is a common response to broken relationships and is well worthy of discussion. A common definition of cynicism runs as follows:
A skeptical, scornful or pessimistic attitude; a skeptical, scornful or pessimistic comment or act
en.wiktionary.org/wiki/cynicism
Other definitions focus on the absence of belief in the goodness of human nature or of human motivation.
We first address the issue of cynicism in a more generic format, that is, we’re not talking only about cynicism generated by relational difficulties. A good deal of research has explored both causes and effects of cynicism. What causes cynicism is not of particular interest to us. Anyone can find things to be cynical about. What does interest us is the affects of cynicism: Research has found that a high level of cynicism is associated with:
• Poorer health
• Lower productivity in the work place
• Lower levels of life satisfaction
• Poorer marital relationships
• Emotional exhaustion
• Burnout
• Undermining the stress-buffering potential of social relationships
• and others—there is probably NO positive consequence of being cynical
One of the most helpful responses to cynicism is a comment attributed to Abraham Lincoln: “I would rather trust people and be disappointed from time to time than live a life of cynicism.”
A modern version is provided by Benny Greenberg: “If you have the ability to positively trust in everything and in everyone and in yourself - it is true that on occasion you will be disappointed . . . but in most cases you will be more than glad you gave your trust. You can go through life expecting nothing and getting nothing - if that makes you feel that you are less disappointed then cool. I would rather be disappointed once in a while and look to the positives of life and all I want than to go through life expecting nothing getting nothing and calling that "never disappointed."
