Are you a cynic?

Mr. Ed

Mr. Ed

Be what you is not what you what you ainā€™t
Location
Central NY
According to Webster, a cynic is; a fault finding captious critic.

One who believes human conduct is motivated wholly by self-interest

misanthropic: pessimistic

I have a cynical sense of humor. Does this mean I am a cynic

I think most people seldom do anything without seeking something in return. Even me attending an 8-week yoga teacher's training course for seniors in my area. Seems completely altruistic, maybe a little, but I also benefit by working and focusing on a goal, long-term commitment, improved health benefits are a few.

I see myself in other people's behavior, understanding myself in this manner is a humbling experience and a sure way to examine one's pride.
 

Life can be painful, but assuming one still retains the capacity to choose, I believe choosing a positive outlook brings a greater sense of contentment. I am not just pumping sunshine here. I am no stranger to despair, but why would I be

willing to give up my power to other people or negative events? I worked too damn hard to earn it. As long as I am cognizant I will embrace hope. I will live my life as joyously as I am able, when I am able. My innocence was stolen

far too soon, but my humanity remains. The price of humanity is heartbreak, the loss of it anaethema. For me, this choice renders me victorious, even when I fall. šŸ™‚
 
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The Cynics were ancient Greek philosophers who believed that virtue was the only good, and that self-control was the only way to become virtuous. By that definition, I lean toward Cynicism.

Today a cynic is defined as a person who believes everyone is motivated by selfishness. By that definition, I'm not a cynic. Sure, people are motivated by their needs and desires, and despiration is a huge motivator, but I believe there are altruistic people all over the world.
 
Shalimar said:
Life can be painful, but assuming one still retains the capacity to choose, I believe choosing a positive outlook brings a greater sense of contentment. I am not just pumping sunshine here. I am no stranger to despair, but why would I be

willing to give up my power to other people or negative events? I worked too damn hard to earn it. As long as I am cognizant I will embrace hope. I will live my life as joyously as I am able, when I am able. My innocence was stolen

far too soon, but my humanity remains. The price of humanity is heartbreak, the loss of it anaethema. For me, this choice renders me victorious, even when I fall. šŸ™‚
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For some of us you can only hit the pavement face first so many times before you just decide not to anymore. Sometimes it's better for some of us to walk away.
 
I'm not as cynical as I was a few months ago, but that has more to do with politics than people in general. Plus, I no longer have to deal with people in a work environment, so there's that.

But, yeah, most people are motivated by self-interestsā€”primarily the desire to fit in, which is an evolutionary trait inherit in almost everyone. It's why people join dangerous cults and other organizations. People want to feel like they fit in somewhereā€”that they feel connected to other people. When you don't feel connected, you're lonely. So doing something that appears altruistic on the surface may be motivated by a desire or need to be liked and respected to fit into society, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. It's good for society.
 
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