Noun
- A person who believes that people are motivated purely by self-interest rather than acting for honorable or unselfish reasons.
- A person who questions whether something will happen or is worthwhile.
I was referred to as a cynic constantly during a disastrous relationship (one of those relationships where the shit fan is just blowing for way too long) and at first I saw it as a bad thing - but then later maybe perhaps the only thing he was right about (yeah I went there) - was my classification as a cynic.
I'm sorry to say (really, I am) - but most people are motivated by self interest. Life is fueled with incentives for individuals who choose to take them. For those bleeding hearts out there that truly believe there are good people who volunteer solely because they want to help others... No. Some of these people do it to feed their needs of knowing that they are a good person, and to feel good about what they are doing. That's self interest, bottom line.
Mom is going to take the kids to the park to play - not only because her child will have fun on the jungle gym (which is an insurance claim waiting to happen) - but because she wants to read her book and have some quiet time, or scroll through her facebook posts on her smartphone. Or simply because Jimmy has ADHD and since its not socially acceptable for mom to drink at 7am, she'll take him to the park instead.
Your friend asks for a favor that doesn't regard you gaining anything from that specific task.
But in return you gain a more solid friendship - and you also gain a token to ask them for some help later. Quid Pro Quo.
Synonyms: Cynical, Pessimistic, Sarcastic, Satirical
Cynical suggests a disbelief in the sincerity of human motives Pessimistic implies a more or less a habitual disposition to look on the dark side of things, and to believe that the worst will happen.Sarcastic refers to sneering or making cutting jibes (hand jives anyone?)Satirical suggests expressing scorn or ridicule by saying the opposite of what ones means
Antonyms:Optimistic
Optimism is for suckers. Lets all live in a fairy tale world where pain isn't real, fate is bound with that of a story book binding, and everyone has the best intentions. Sorry for all of you who still believe in Santa Claus, but people can be cruel, horrid, and ugly. I'm sure we can reflect on a time when we ourselves have been cruel, horrid, and ugly. Thats the keyword here: "can". It seems like its all a choice, isnt it? We can choose to be good or bad (according to societal norms, naturally) - but what are we deep down inside? (Cue the inception reference).
I try to be optimistic and hope that people are naturally good, and are strayed by the paths of evil (if chocolate is sinful, you can probably guess which path i'm on). I also try to be optimistic and hope that people actually enjoy my company and my mom isn't paying off people secretly to keep me out of the house. I think deep down inside people have the optimism to keep the dreams of being loved and being happy alive.
Lets face it, we're all suckers.
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