The study examines the development of skepticism in children, focusing on developmental and individual differences. Six- to nine-year-olds and older children were examined for their understanding of sources providing distorted claims. Factor analysis revealed four attitude subscales: children’s competence, views of child witnesses at trial, children’s credibility, and views of. A sample of 130 children aged 6 to 9 years participated in a task designed to measure children’s understanding of ways that claims can be distorted.
Skepticism is an attitude of doubting knowledge claims set forth in various areas. Skeptics have challenged the adequacy or reliability of these claims. The correct answer is 4-year-old Kaylee, as she is likely to have developed an attitude of skepticism due to understanding that others do not always give true statements. Studies suggest that most children learn the truth about the myth of Santa Claus gradually around the age of 8. Cognitive dissonance is typically experienced as psychological stress when persons participate in actions that go against one or more of those things.
A learning theory of attachment can explain discrepancies between attachment theory and research. Two studies examined the process and aftermath of coming to disbelieve in the myth of Santa Claus. In Study 1, 48 children ages 6-15 answered questions.
In a study by S Allen, students asked to write about awe-eliciting events were more likely to report being in nature or an experience with art or music than being in nature. By teaching children the art of becoming a skeptic, they will inherit a world that is less dependent on power and authority and more dependent on critical thinking.
📹 This tool will help improve your critical thinking – Erick Wilberding
Explore the technique known as the Socratic Method, which uses questions to examine a person’s values, principles, and beliefs.
What is maintaining an attitude of skepticism?
Maintaining a skeptical outlook is crucial for scientists to remain objective in scientific inquiry and research. Skepticism forces scientists to examine claims to ensure sufficient evidence is present. Skeptics do not doubt every claim, but only those backed by insufficient evidence or improperly collected data. Skepticism allows scientists to reach logical conclusions supported by evidence from others in the same field, even when it does not confirm absolute certainty.
Denial, on the other hand, is the act of clinging to an idea or belief despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. To advance scientific knowledge, scientists must remain skeptical, as science works to determine the statistical probability of a claim’s accuracy, not its certainty. In a court of law, juries must accept proof beyond a reasonable doubt, not absolute certainty.
What is a skeptical attitude?
Skepticism is defined as an attitude of doubt or incredulity towards a specific object or area of knowledge. It is the conviction that the veracity of a given body of knowledge or the accuracy of a specific area of expertise is inherently uncertain. Those who identify as skeptics employ a variety of techniques, including suspended judgment, systematic doubt, and criticism, to challenge the validity of their beliefs. This conviction is frequently based on the assumption that knowledge is not invariably accurate or dependable.
Which child is most likely to have high self esteem?
Previous studies in the US have shown that first-born adolescents are more likely to have higher self-esteem than other siblings and only children, while middle-born adolescent males are found to have lower self-esteem. This is due to the increasing number of mental health problems among adolescents worldwide, with half of lifetime cases beginning by the age of 14. Japan is not exception, as the number of suicide among children and adolescents has gradually increased over a decade, ranking second in Asia.
Furthermore, later-born children aged 7-12 years in the US have been found to have a higher level of depression and anxiety, while a population-based study in the UK has shown that later-born adolescents are more likely to have suicide attempts and psychiatric problems. Prior register-based studies have reported that later-born adults aged 16 years are at a higher risk of suicidal behavior in Norway and Sweden.
However, few epidemiological studies have examined whether birth order is associated with mental health problems among children, particularly pre-adolescent children. Most of the previous studies were conducted in Western countries, and there is a lack of empirical studies to investigate the associations in non-Western countries, including Japan. Positive mental health refers to a state of subjective well-being and functioning well, with resilience and self-esteem being important aspects of this.
Previous studies in the US have indicated that first-born adolescents are more likely to have higher self-esteem than other siblings and only children, while middle-born adolescent males are found to have lower self-esteem. Additionally, last-born and only children are reported to be happier than first-and middle-born among US young children. However, it is still unknown whether these findings can be generalized to other populations with different sociocultural characteristics, such as Japan.
What is the Erikson stage of a 3 year old?
Psychosocial development is the process of a child acquiring self, relationships, motor and verbal skills, and independence. Erik Erikson’s theory consists of three stages: Trust vs. Mistrust (0-1. 5 years), Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt (1. 5-3 years), and Initiative vs. Guilt (3-5 years). Each stage is crucial for a child’s development, and it is essential for parents or caregivers to support them. For children aged 0-5, the stages are Trust vs. Mistrust, Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt, and Initiative vs. Guilt.
What causes skepticism?
Skepticism, derived from the Greek word “skeptomai”, refers to a doubting attitude towards knowledge claims. It implies that one does not believe the claim to be true, but it does not automatically lead to believing in its falsehood. Skeptics usually recommend a neutral attitude, suspending beliefs about the matter. Skepticism is often motivated by the impression that one cannot be certain about it, especially when there is significant expert disagreement. Skepticism is usually restricted to a claim or a field of inquiry, such as religious and moral skeptics having a doubtful attitude about religious and moral doctrines.
Some definitions, inspired by ancient philosophy, see skepticism as a way of life, based on the idea that maintaining a skeptical attitude of doubt toward most concerns in life is superior to living in dogmatic certainty. However, in contemporary philosophy, skepticism is often understood as a thesis, the thesis that knowledge does not exist. Skepticism is related to various terms, including agnosticism and relativism, which have slight differences in meaning.
Agnosticism is often understood more narrowly as skepticism about religious questions, particularly about the Christian doctrine. Relativism does not deny the existence of knowledge or truth but holds that they are relative to a person and differ from person to person due to different cognitive norms. Dogmatism, the opposite of skepticism, implies an attitude of certainty in the form of an unquestioning belief. A similar contrast is often drawn in relation to blind faith and credulity.
Which age group has the highest self-esteem?
Self-esteem typically peaks in the 50s or 60s and sharply drops in old age (4-7 years). This decline is attributed to the loss of important aspects of self-evaluation, such as socioeconomic positions, close relationships, and reduced abilities. Additionally, the elderly develop a change in attitudes towards themselves, accepting their limitations and faults, leading to more humble, modest, and balanced perspectives.
Cultural differences in self-esteem have been studied, suggesting that the developmental trajectory of self-esteem may differ across cultures. Previous research in Japan found that self-esteem levels were high for elementary school students, low among middle and high school students, and gradually increased among adults, consistent with the pattern found in European American cultures. This pattern has been observed in other independent and large-sample surveys, indicating the same pattern of age differences in self-esteem from middle school students to the elderly in their 60s.
In conclusion, understanding the developmental changes in self-esteem across different cultures is crucial for understanding its impact on individuals’ self-esteem.
Who has the most influence on a child’s development of their self-esteem?
Self-esteem is a crucial aspect of a child’s success or failure as a human being. It is the responsibility of parents and teachers to affirm and build self-esteem in their children. As parents, we are the most significant influence in their lives, and how we view, value, and treat them affects how much they learn from us. Self-esteem begins early and continues to grow with each successful interaction through positive words. It is essential to build a child’s belief that they can handle life well and that they can handle it well.
Madelyn Swift emphasizes that emotional health depends on self-esteem, as liking oneself and feeling capable are the foundations for emotional health. Therefore, it is crucial for parents and teachers to focus on building self-esteem to ensure a child’s success and well-being.
What are toddlers kids aged 2 and 3 likely to face according to Erikson?
Erik Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development outlines the stages of conflict and age, where individuals face crises and develop psychological strengths to become confident and healthy individuals. This theory, which combines a person’s psychosocial needs with societal needs, provides a comprehensive view of a person’s development throughout their entire life span. Erikson’s theories emphasize the importance of resolving crises to develop psychological strengths and become confident and healthy individuals.
When 3 year olds describe themselves, they are most likely to use what type of descriptors?
Early to middle childhood is a critical period in a child’s life, where they begin to describe themselves based on their physical actions and traits. Between the ages of five and seven, self-descriptions include proficiencies in social skills and cognitive abilities, often incorporating cultural values and gender roles learned from their environment.
Younger school-age children often view themselves positively and overestimate their abilities. Although their perspective-taking skills have improved, they do not frequently evaluate themselves or compare themselves to others. When they compare themselves to others, the purpose is often to determine if they are being treated fairly and to see how others complete tasks to improve their own performance. This can contribute to their enthusiastically positive and sometimes unrealistic sense of self.
Before eight years old, children see themselves and others in all-or-none ways. They understand the concept of opposites but may struggle to understand that it is possible to be both “good” and “bad” simultaneously. They may acknowledge that people can switch qualities on occasion or in the future.
Younger school-age children can lead when telling their autobiographical story and include personal experiences, but they still allow important adults to modify their accounts. As they grow, they are more likely to add intentions and future plans to their accounts. They also recognize that they are the same person despite the developmental changes occurring to them.
What stage of child development is self centered?
The preoperational stage, a second stage in Piaget’s cognitive development, occurs from 2 to 6 years old. During this stage, a child’s thinking is self-centered or egocentric, making it difficult for them to understand life from other perspectives. This egocentrism is evident in the relationship between two preschool children, where they engage in collective monologues, where each child is completely unaware of the other’s thoughts. This stage is characterized by a child’s inclination towards their own perspective and self-centered thinking.
What are the developmental characteristics of children in early childhood?
Child development encompasses physical, intellectual, language, emotional, and social growth, each influencing the others. Physical development increases intellectual abilities, allowing a child to explore their social world more fully. This exploration directly impacts further physical brain development. Factors affecting child development include innate biological makeup, family, society, economics, health, and culture.
Growth and development are directly related to a child’s nutrition, affluence, parenting styles, education, and peer interaction. Therefore, the course and progression of child development are interconnected and interconnected.
📹 Why You Shouldn’t Be Cynical!
People who are cynical look down upon most of humanity. Could this outlook on life affect your health? Laci is here to discuss a …
I think many of us are misunderstanding our definition of a cynical person. A person who is cynical generally has a negative outlook to life and has little faith in things or other people. What seems to be the case of the comments are people who are being skeptical. A person who is skeptical is more likely to put in the appropriate research before believing what they are told. That I believe is a healthy thing and to some extent, ironic given this community who jumped to their conclusions from this article. Someone who is cynical usually assumes people are out to screw them. Someone who is skeptical understands there are bad people out there, and that is why we must be careful and deliberate in our decisions.
I have always though that a cynical mind is a “lazy” mind. Let me explain. A “cynical” mind generalizes more. Instead of going case by case. It requires less energy and time to do this, which is why many people fall into this “bad habit”. It would also explain the link to Dementia. The brain is less active and create fewer new neural pathways. A cynical mind analyzes less. And tries to understand less. Anyway, that is my take on it. Might be wrong. shrugs
People are confusing cynicism with selfishness. Cynicism is believing that everyone is only making decisions for their own personal benefit. Not everyone is a cynic. Selfishness is when there’s an aspect in your life where you put yourself first, before anyone else. Everyone is selfish about something or other. I, myself, am a selfish cynic. Probably more so than most because I am smarter than most of you.
I used to be cynical. Then one day I stupidly left my purse on a bus while traveling abroad. I was stranded with no money, no passport, and no ticket home. If it weren’t for the help of many different strangers, I would never have gotten my stuff back in time to catch my boat. To everyone who’s ever helped another in trouble, thank you.
I thought I was using my critical thinking when dealing with people whom I haven’t yet trusted, but according to the study, I’m a cynic. When business and politics are involved, well then, I’m a “cynic”. Other than that, I generally give people the benefit of the doubt even after they’ve screwed me over… once. No fooling me twice. 🙂
Long story short, when I was 14 I was highly depressed, hit rock bottom, then almost ended my life. I am not forcing my beliefs on anybody, but I prayed in a last effort kind of thing, and that got me through the night. Now I am 24 and widely known by all for my happiness. My life did a 180, I am boxing and frequently dating with much better health mentally and physically. I now know that their is only up from where I was. I gained a deeper love of life and the people around me.
Does anyone have any advice on how to not be cynical because I just want to be able to see the good in people. Cynicism is ruining my life, I think. I used to be the complete opposite and they say behind every cynic is a disappointed idealist and that’s me. I have spent my life dreaming way to big and I always get let down. I got sick of that, so I just kinda turned my emotions off and saw it pointless to make connections with others. After all we all do things to advance ourselves and the only real person who can ever be there for yourself is you. And just this outlook is bad, maybe I’d be different if I had like a best friend or someone who I actually really trusted. Idk are there actually people who exist out there who care about others not in a superficial way? This is a serious question. I might seem dumb but I litter lay do not know if people are out there who are like that. I mean I don’t even know if I’m like that cuz I feel as though I can’t be, I can not let my guard down.
Life is shitty though. Life has told me, time and time again, that people only care about themselves. This is true for everyone, deep down. This is true for me. Nobody is truly going to care if you or I died, because just as a pet, they will get over it within the year. Sure, some things won’t be the same, but they’ll find a new way to replace you. Truth hurts, which is why people live with a blanket over their eyes.
How can we logically determine that people are not only after themselves? Anger is a natural defence mechanism. Health is based biologically on what you eat, genetics, and how much you exercise. And I have met cynics that are very intelligent at an elderly age. I don’t think generalizing is going to lead to an answer, especially not question-answer based logic that leads to what promotes that cynicism is bad and that positivism is good. The world has room for both, so wouldn’t meeting in the middle be the most reasonable?
My goal is to see the best in every situation and not the worst. Even if the situation might appear to be negative, by adapting a positive mindset I put myself in a frame of mind that is mentally healthy for me, allowing me to make better decisions that aren’t solely based off of my current circumstances.
Honestly you can be whoever you like to be. Changing your view on the world and your personality really isn’t hard at all. It’s all a matter of just doing it. It will be hard at first, but it will get a lot easier in a matter of days. The way I got over the big social barrier I used to have due to autism was by simply forcing myself to adapt my body language to a more social, strong and open person. And in that process my personality changed rapidly. The precise way you do it should be up to you. But if you know who you want to be, the only person stopping you from being that person is yourself.
Cynicism is equivlent to keeping your shield raised at all times. Eventually your arm gets tired, and when the moment arrives when you really need to raise your shield up you’ve expended too much energy to defend yourself. Each of us is protected by an invisible personal shield of sorts, of which both ensures our individuality and places distance between ourselves and others. Some people have larger or stronger shields than others, some with a shield so great as to be poisonous to others within their radius. These shields keep us distinguishable from one another, but can also divide us if made too repulsive.
I’m glad this was ended with mentioning how it’s not so easy to just “flip a switch” and make your mood better. When people tell me to “turn my frown upside down” I just about want to punch them in the face. Call me a cynic, I don’t care, but unless I’m on the clock or at some kind of event where I’m expected to act happy (eg, I’m being polite) I’m going to act however I want. Emotions are important, and anger and sadness need to get out, even if they’re sometimes misguided.
I think a more important question than “CAN we change the way we feel” is “SHOULD we change the way we feel AND think about the world based on how it makes us feel?” Or, “should we base what our opinions on what we think reality is or what we think will make us feel the best?” Even if it was true that being cynical about something leads to unhappiness and poor health, it doesn’t necessarily mean that there isn’t a good logical reason to be cynical. So should people just ignore the way they perceive reality to make sure that their feelings make them feel good? As an atheist, I’d think Lacy wouldn’t be too big on that idea.
Being cynical is one of the worst feelings. Obviously your not going to want to do anything, being cynical, so symptoms like heart disease are just because you don’t want to do anything, it’s pretty logical. But I will decide not to enjoy anything, and I wont even know why, no justification involved. I’ll listen to my favorite song one day and cry at how beautiful it is and the next criticize everything they could of done better. As for “flipping the switch” luckily I’m not super old so I can look at things I like. I was actually going to message you (Laci) a question about cynicism being really smart in sociology and stuff, so I’m glad this article appeared, it was really weird. But what I’ve found is you always can get out of it, but it takes a lot of work. I have to force myself to be positive about things. And sometimes that doesn’t work and I have to give the finger to everything to feel better, or sometimes just go freaking pleasure yourself and take long walks to some badass music on a country road. But that’s just me. It’s normally because I feel like I’m wrong, if I don’t go with what society tells me is the norm. I hate all the things I actually like, it’s a social thing. But screw that, people look at me strange for wearing Misfits tees, deciding to screw hair and shove it straight up on bad days, and just for liking the things I like, LIKING THINGS. I mean screw that, I’d never be happy. But there’s multiple cynic types. Wow, everyone’s so angry about this vid, I’m just glad for the outlet.
Being a cynic might be the most important factor for me to hang on to my invincible optimism. For one it creates an outlet for bad experiences and feelings that is conviniently pointed outwards and second it lets me feel two things at the same time without having to bother with double think, letting me experience reality from it’s marvelous and hideous side simultaniosly. Yes, life sucks ever so often and yes, people can be to much of a hassle to be worth the time we have to share with them, but not only is there always some kind of upside to it (if you look long enough for it that is) but also do the very things that put us down not only consist of general shittines. For instance, being a cynic i am convinced that people mostly act in their own self interest (as do i) but how on earth would those motives devalue something i consider to be good, useful or simply wonderful? The only thing it actually does is provide you with a possible reason for it and that is a very handy tool if you’re confronted with behaviour or facts that are’t good, usefull or even the least bit wonderful. There are only three ways to be an optimiste in this world. You’re either naive and completely unaware of all the negative shit that regularly hits the fan, or you can be a fatalist who acknowleges the shit-fan-situation but does not even try to do anything about it because of the “whadda ya gonna do?”-attitude towards it.Or, you can be a cynic who realises the frequent occurance of shit-fan encounters, moans about it but also comprehends that the only reason why you are annoyed by it is because you know it could be better.
I feel that this is where art often comes into play with Laci’s final question of ‘is it so easy to flip the switch from being cynical for good reasons throughout one’s life and suddenly adopt a more positive outlook on life?’ I feel that cinema has explored this question in many narratives and adopted its own look on humanity and the choices we make- stuff that science can’t inherently conclude and what art reveals this unknown of making choices is definitely a part of humanity
i’m a cynic, I do trust people though, but i only trust people that have something to gain from having my trust. If they want something from me than i will trust them because they are less likely to betray me because they want something. I do understand that people do things for complete strangers but they do it because it feels good, it’s why i do it. Doing something good gives you that fuzzy feeling inside that is hard to get enough of. My point as a cynic is that people have their motivations and that people need to be more careful with what they believe someone is doing something for.
Idk if you can call it cynical.. but I see life in a very negative way. I just don’t know what to do about it. I see things realistically even though I don’t want to. I’m working on living with my normal human feelings but sometimes I just see things too objectively. For example, people are all selfish. They create bonds to pursue their own goals instead of trying to help others. And even helping others releases hormones in their body that makes them feel good. See? Everything is meant in a selfish way, and that’s natural.. but I can’t stop thinking about it. What should I do? Would seeing a psychologist help me stop thinking too much? I don’t even see hope that they could help me. You know, my whole daily life is nothing but negative thoughts in my head that make my body get weak. Sometimes, but only sometimes I have enough energy and optimism to actually feel happyness. I’d appreciate some advice. Thank you!
I am cynical and optimistic. I do not trust the vast majority of people because they have repeatedly demonstrated that they are incapable of reciprocating and justifying my trust. However, I also acknowledge that humanity is the best chance I have to find anything that I can really trust, which will also benefit me. Motivated by self-interest? Maybe. But, by taking a long view (and I don’t just mean several years, I mean lifetime), my motivation naturally involves being interested in the well-being of others. I’d also say I’m not entirely motivated by self-interest, because I care about the fate of humanity as a whole and want to improve it.
I know I’m somewhat cynical. I am one of those people that has been screwed over far more often than not. I have had probably 3 close friends that have never taken advantage of me in my 26 years. This has caused me to adopt a different view on the world. I’m generally a very happy person. I’m always smiling and telling jokes and my acquaintances tend to enjoy my company and dialogue. But my view on humans as a whole is one of understanding. People aren’t inherently bad. I know most people have a good side that is pleasant to those around them. In being taken advantage of you begin to justify the motives of the people around you. Why did they take advantage of you? What was their gain? Would you have done it too? Maybe.. So is it cynical to just assume everyone will let you down at some point or another? or is it adaptation? If you assume the worst and it doesn’t happen or even the best case scenario happens instead, then you are overjoyed at the new glimmer of hope in your life. If you assume people will not take advantage of you, then when they do you’re devastated. Which can be really depressing if its a frequent occurrence. But I don’t blame people for taking advantage of me. I envy them. I personally believe it all comes down to Morals. I know I can’t live with the stress or guilt of ruining peoples days, weeks, or even lives. If you only get one life (not talking about religion because there’s no true evidence of anyone living more than one life) than it is your duty as a human to step on every toe you can and gain as much as you can from life.
“People who are cynical look down upon most of humanity.” Wrong. We cynics just know humanity and all its glorious failures. We expect the worst in everything. That way, it’s always a win-win. a) Something goes wrong, people screw up, something breaks, etc. No big deal, I expected it. Nothing lost. b) Something good happens, it’s a pleasant surprise. So either way, we win. But the difference between us cynics and a garden-variety pessimist is, we’re mouthy enough to talk about it. Often in a colorful manner. And incidentally, sex doesn’t rule all of us. Some of us can take it or leave it. No pun intended.
Now I know what Conan O’brien’s quote mean: “All I ask of you is one thing: please don’t be cynical. I hate cynicism — it’s my least favorite quality and it doesn’t lead anywhere. Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get. But if you work really hard, and you’re kind, amazing things will happen.”
1. Even if it’s “only 80% bad”, I’d rather be right about someone in 80% cases than 20. 2. Correlation doesn’t mean causation. I can make study that says that 99.99 people using white cane are blind. Does that mean that using white cane instead of brown, blue or in whatever color makes people go blind? Of course not!
I hate it when people misuse the word cynic. Im 23 years old, and I believe that my bday is just another day. People say “Youre too young to be that cynical” Then I have to explain the actual definition of cynicism is believing that people are motivated purely by self-interest; distrustful of human sincerity or integrity.
“time to turn that frown upside down cynics” I’m not unhappy, I’m just careful of people, I trust people that are predictable because it is easier to tell if they are trustworthy or not, it’s why i love animals so much, they have one motivation, stay alive. I can trust my dog because she has the sole purpose to keep a relationship with me so that she can get fed in the morning and evening, she is completely trustworthy. It’s not that complicated!
Your life experience and your feelings are made by your thoughts. You can choose to have whatever thoughts you want, but they are heavily shaped by your upbringing, your parents (who some say were also your choice before you were born), your friends, your environment. Obviously healthy and positive thoughts will lead to a healthy and positive mind, body, life. No thinking is a lot better than negative thinking, and some even say no thinking is better than positive thinking.
DILIGENTLY Proverbs 22:29 ‘I promise to stand up for justice, brotherhood, and peace, to work diligently …’ this extract of Jamaica’s national pledge indicates the need to be a persistent and systematic in our pursuit of excellence. Diligence can bring us before world leaders but more importantly it will bring us before the KING of kings one day. Never give up.
There seems to be this idea that everyone should be perfectly open about their feelings and lives to their family and friends, should generally put their trust in others, and should “do what they love”/eliminate as much stress as possible from their lives for the sake of their health. I’m sure it’s true that a life lived without stress or cynicism is a healthy one, but that’s not the kind of life every person can live. Some of us have to take on stress, and some of us have to take on different roles and pretend to be different people than we actually are to get a good career, success and social acceptance, with all the stress that involves.. This doesn’t just have to do with cynicism, but it certainly plays a part. A life lived freely is a wonderful thing, and I’m happy for the people who can pull it off. You can all come visit my early grave and feel sorry for me if you want.
While my cynicism can be declared as monotonous, it actually stems from when I saw the true face of not only my species and its ignorance (among many other flaws that irritate me) towards its own true history, but the shear fact that humans refuse to seek out the truth and knowledge of its own world and roots.
I’m a bit on the boarder. I don’t like people or view the majority in a high regard but I don’t express anger or direct negative emotions at them, I basically just end up caring about people less to the point that they can get hit by a bus and I probably won’t care or be happy about that happening, depending on how bad that person annoyed me.
Cynical ˈsɪnɪk(ə)l/ adjective adjective: cynical 1. believing that people are motivated purely by self-interest; distrustful of human sincerity or integrity. 2. concerned only with one’s own interests and typically disregarding accepted standards in order to achieve them. “a cynical manipulation of public opinion” 3. Intelligent, couldn’t give a shit, realizes others’ mistakes; and lets everyone know about it. I’d say 3 is the closest…..
Cynicism=Realism PS-Cynics don’t think people aren’t untrustworthy necessarily, I a cynic personally believe that everything that is done by man is done with one’s self benefit somewhere in mind. You can be sacrificial and kind and still have yourself in mind. Kind people are kind, because it brings themselves happiness and satisfaction. People are generous, because it gives them good feelings. You can’t argue with that.
Alexander approached Diogenes and asked of him “Is there anything I can do for you”, and Diogenes replied “yes, move out of my sun” too which Alexander replied “If I where not Alexander I would wish too be Diogenes” in which Diogenes said “if I where not Diogenes I would also wish too be Diogenes”. Ancient Cynicism is not Modern Cynicism, just trying too show the difference
Sure you can, imagine this: BAM You wake up in hospital, and you don’t know anybody, not even yourself. But you find yourself being nice to a nurse who’s helping you. Little did you know that you used to be the most cynical person on Earth. This analogy was made to prove a point: To be a different person, erase your past and move on.
So, let me get this straight, because I scream obscenities at the television and the radio because everything produced or created is utter shit until something strikes me aesthetically, which I can then praise to death, I’m at risk? Because I’m extremely misanthropic and everyone is shit until they prove me wrong, I’m at risk? Because I’m not quick to believe what hear because everyone is full of shit until I’m proven wrong I’m at risk. Because I understand a more objective truth about life, which makes everything shit, but I’m at risk for heart disease and dementia? What? Not a very happy two-step life here. People and money cause a lot of stress which will justify a little cynicism in everyone. But me? Wow. Put me in front of a television and watch me lose all of my shit. Who the hell is participating in these studies. Now being cynical is a health risk factor? Why do I keep getting the sense that DNews sets on a propagandic course with some of these STUDIES? I’m going to take this one with a grain of salt.
The positive effects of the 20% will out weight the negative effects of the 80%. The positive effects of the 20% will out weight the negative effects of the 80%. The positive effects of the 20% will out weight the negative effects of the 80%. The positive effects of the 20% will out weight the negative effects of the 80%. The positive effects of the 20% will out weight the negative effects of the 80%. The positive effects of the 20% will out weight the negative effects of the 80%. The positive effects of the 20% will out weight the negative effects of the 80%. The positive effects of the 20% will out weight the negative effects of the 80%…. This might take a while…
Cynicism would contribute to the possibility of developing dementia because it is inherently a world-view ignorant of optimistic nuance and therefore an incomplete view of reality. It would also contribute to apathetic behaviors, thereby reinforcing a particularity to have less social contact, known to be beneficial to mental and emotional health, and goal achievement, known to increase lifespan by providing satisfaction through giving a person purpose.
There is nothing wrong about healthy scepticism about people’s motivations. In almost all cases people wont mind making a doormat out of you if they can gain something they find significant or if they are in some problem that they find overwhelming. That scepticism is your self defence against people of unproven/unknown motivations. That said cynicism is excess and is as damaging as excessive trusty personalities.
I was kinda cynical and when I went soul searching as a kid I figured It was negative and I should change it, it was hard but I did and once I did I felt a little empty like all my beliefs wore robbed and I was a different person but when I got rolling to being positive it was great and one of my best decisions. definitely a life changer and it actually worked for me for the better :p
People who have high levels of cynicism are just insecure on the inside…WAYY on the inside. Heres a tip, if you have a healthy self-image and self esteem then you will naturally have faith and be optimistic about everything and everyone, BUT the key is to have your bullshit firewall running in your sub-conscious to detect anything thats “not right” about people, things, places, etc and you’ll be fine for the most part
I think cynicism effects all those areas because cynicism makes someone less likely to try new things & more apathetic when it comes to trying hard at the few things they do enjoy. I think one needs to attack cynicism with alacrity; your emotions steer the ship, so fuel them with positivity & you will create positive feedback loops in your mind that will make you enjoy life more & work harder at the things you enjoy & from gaining confidence, trying new things. Negative feedback loops also create more negative feedback loops until you find yourself wondering why you should work hard at anything at all, where in which case you’re broken. It’s good perhaps to have a bit of cynicism, but I think the pros of being an optimist far outweigh that of a cynic.
@1:10 1) I already quit smoking a long time (like 3 yrs ago). 2 & 3) Weigh more and excercise less? I’m actually the healthiest compared to most of my family members and relatives (read: not fat or obese). I actually feel good about being labeled as a cynic, esp. when I turn out to be right (i.e. ‘I told you so’ moments). If I’m wrong then it’s actually just as good ‘coz it usually means/meant that the person in question is not so bad after all.
Very interesting article. Thanks for the warnings about potential health problems; that may assist me later in life. I am, in fact, a cynic. Although I have gotten better somewhat, much of my cinicism is still there. And you know what? I’m not sure I care. Remember what Jon Snow was told by Tyrion; basically, to embrace what you are, wear it like armor, and it can never be used against you. I’m a cynic who still works well with others (yes, I’ve been perusal other YouTube articles as well); what will anyone do about it? Why deny what I am? Maybe not be proud of it, but embrace it and use my cynicism somehow, for someone’s benefit.
First, the definition of cynicism here isn’t the kind of cynicism most people experience. They’re talking about cynical distrust, which encompasses beliefs and behavior that would qualify as a mental illness. It’s often the case that the heart disease comes before the kind of mean, paranoid cynicism that you’re talking about. The average age of study participants was 71, so we’re talking about people who are likely already experiencing health problems (the group conducting the study did not do their own health screenings on participants, relying on self-reporting of diagnoses), not young people who may go on to experience dementia and heart disease. So, yes, maybe there’s a correlation, but I sincerely doubt that it’s the cynicism causing these problems. It’s likely that this particular type and level of cynicism is one of many early signs of a health problem, and that should not be confused with healthy skepticism, normal pessimism, or normal cynicism.
Well in my case, I’m cynical, because I think: Is this person thinking the same way I do?, because if that’s so, I’m like the worst person I’ve ever met. PS.: I’ve learned to hide my cynicism in my dayli basis, cause admit it, we are laughable, In fact I only do them when I want people to laugh. cynical remarks are only “cool” in movies.
There’s no real reason to be cynical all the time now as most people are rich and can afford food, homes and luxury and people aren’t too jealous but it might be good to be cynical during war and tough times when people will look to defend themselves and their families/clans as people will be in survival mode… Thankfully we don’t live in that part of the world, or at least in that neighbourhood..yet
Being cynical is a wonderful thing when acted upon what you’re cynical about. If you are cynical and jus not live life then being cynical is a sack life to live. But, if you are cynical and do things to protect yourself from what yoy believe is dangerous, then you can live life with very little scars. To me people who are both not cynical and cynical, who dont live life to the fullest. The cynical, its obvious why, but the noncynicals end up too scared to move in unfamiliar areas of life from constantly being hurt that they stay in familiar circles. They get hurt so often because they do things with an open heart and no protection.
I tend to spend my days surrounded by people no one trust, because of their bad reputation, liars, drunks, addicts, lazy people, oversexualized dudes and chicks, so in my case being a cynic isn´t that bad. BTW i´m like all my friends combined and It´s good because we can do mean things (bully) to our self’s without feeling any remorse. And strangely while writing this, I realize I would rather trust these people than trust a seemingly good non cynical outsider.
Take 100 people in one room. Ask how many of them has had a flu within the last 5 months. If the majority of the people who had the fly within the last 5 months turn out to be homosexual or dark haired, does that mean that’s the reason for the fly? That’s what I think when I see things like “2.2% added chance…”. It’s such a small amount, how do you know it’s not just a stupid coincidence?
I’m an optimist. I look at the situation and figure out the optimal result. I plan contingents for the worst situation so that I can force a good result from a bad situation regardless of how bad the situation gets. Pessimists and cynics are crybabies that are too lazy to plan for the worst, instead sabotaging the efforts of others to force them to be as miserable as they are. Do not worry. I am an optimist. I have optimal plans that include the factor of stupid people like them. It usually ends in abandonment of the cynics and the rubbing of my success in their faces when they come to complain about how bad life is. I am a capable human being that does not allow others to get in my way. Impossible you say? Challenge accepted. I bought my first car without having to take out a loan or go through special programs. I’ve held jobs and forged through situations where people said I would not survive. They say magic isn’t real. I say magic is what you make of it. Perspective is important. If you believe that something is impossible, you will never question it and you will never test it. Science is the observation of our natural world. It is the accumulation of all the things we have already done. To get to where we are now, we had to push through the impossible. They all said it was impossible to go to the moon the first time. We did it anyways. They still say it is impossible to go to the moon. Someone is going to piss in their cereal one of these days. Who is they? They is cynics.
A little cynicism is OK but I was a real prick. Then I went to work for a environmental group, got some good legislation passed, met some great people and guess what? I was no longer such a prick. Not saying that would work for anyone else but I think it stems from a person not being able to use their full potential. Makes you cranky. So instead of looking for that magical switch try volunteering for something that is important to you. Do for others rather than yourself and you may benefit the most.