Cynicism - what is it in simple words, meaning

A cynic is a person who, through his behavior, introduces dissonance into the life of society, the majority of people who adhere to a certain ideology. He does not recognize authorities and forms his own rules and views, which usually contradict generally accepted standards. It devalues the principles that for many people are the guidelines and meaning of life.

What is cynicism

Cynicism is a human behavior that manifests itself in a negative, dismissive and even contemptuous attitude towards generally accepted moral, ethical, religious and cultural norms and values of other people. A cynic tends to judge a person based on his life experience, so such things as compassion, empathy, pity and shame seem fictitious to him. He does not see any use in them for selfish purposes.

In simple terms, cynicism is a view of life that denies the feelings and motivations caused by love, selflessness and sacrifice. People who hold such views consider it a fictional and socially approved reason to achieve their goals and gain benefits.

Cynics believe that all people are materialistic and want self-affirmation, so they subject all the emotions and feelings of others to analysis from a practical point of view. If it is not possible to draw a critical conclusion, then the person simply ridicules views and values that he does not understand.

Who is this cynic?

Cynicism is a personality quality, therefore, cynics are people who have cynicism.
Only an adult with established principles and extensive life experience can be considered a true cynic, since he can consciously choose such a position. A cynic is a person who discards shame, he believes that everything can be bought, there are no such things that are worth cherishing, it is possible to return what has disappeared or find a replacement for it.

A cynical person communicates with others only if it is beneficial for him, since he no longer sees their positive sides. Such people reject everything sublime and beautiful; for them there is only a physical component in love. For such a person, empathy is a way to show himself as having achieved success compared to people in difficult situations.

A person who speaks the truth at the wrong time is called a cynic. Oliver Hassenkamp

A cynic is a person who often laughs at something important and loved by others; sometimes he speaks rudely to people. For him, there are no authorities, he often aggressively perceives the position of other people, and considers his own opinion to be absolutely correct.

In the modern world, cynicism is becoming fashionable. A person becomes not what he would like to be, and then suffers from intrapersonal conflicts. Sometimes a cynic seems smart and unusual to some people.

Cynicism manifests itself in different ways in different people, so there are several types of cynics (see below).

Signs of cynicism

It is best to understand what cynicism is, its signs will help. Let's look at its most common manifestations.

Specific behavior

A cynic speaks rudely, talks categorically about things and actions, dividing the world into “black and white,” does not take into account other people’s opinions and is dismissive of others.

Disregard for spiritual, moral and ethical values

He does not feel aesthetic pleasure from culture and adherence to morality, does not understand what others find in this, he respects only what can bring real, measurable benefit.

Absence of many experiences and reactions characteristic of most people

A cynic does not feel sympathy for others, does not regret the mistakes he has made, is not tormented by remorse and, in general, does not understand why burden himself with unnecessary negativity and scroll through unpleasant thoughts in his head many times.

Commercialism towards people

People with cynical views on life do not spend a lot of time on friends, they do not experience sincere joy from being close to someone, creating their environment, they usually think in advance what benefits and benefits they can get from meeting someone.

Skepticism towards things that are important to others

A cynic speaks with sarcasm or ridicule about what is important to loved ones: desires, dreams, faith, plans and attempts to change something. At the same time, he himself does not understand how much this hurts those around him. Therefore, it is often very difficult for a cynic to find friends.

Lack of authority

People who admire outstanding personalities, their achievements and actions, cause bewilderment in a cynical person. He doesn’t understand how you can be so interested in and respect someone. Moreover, the very success of this person evokes an emotional response from the cynic.

Special compassion and empathy

Despite his callousness and detachment from other people, a cynic can still express some compassion and empathy. True, he does this not out of good and sincere motives, but more for self-affirmation - this way he can show others and himself how highly developed a person he is.

Is it good or bad to be a cynic?

If the cynic were an absolutely negative character, then most likely he would disappear in the process of social evolution. If this does not happen, then he must have strengths. Let's discuss them now.

The advantages of cynics.

When thinking about what a cynic is, the meaning of this word is very often distorted. Boors, criminals, vandals, misfits, misanthropes and other asocial elements fall under the same umbrella. But this is not always true. Of course, people involved in crime are distinguished by their cynicism, but not every cynic is capable of committing a crime. Very often, this type of thinking occurs in response to disappointment, as a psychological defense.

This is his first advantage - immunity to false promises and ostentatious virtue. When a person stops being overly gullible, it is more difficult to deceive him. The second plus is sincerity. A cynic can call a spade a spade and not waste time finding the right words. The third advantage is fashion. The fact is that the image of a cynic is quite popular in society. Remember Dr. Bykov or House. Accordingly, those people who correspond to it often arouse interest and sympathy.

Disadvantages of Cynics.

The main drawback of cynics is that sooner or later sympathy gives way to antipathy, since not everyone will want to endure their ridicule and neglect for a long time. Loneliness is the logical outcome for people with such a worldview. Moreover, cynics can turn others against them, acquiring enemies and ill-wishers.

In addition to purely social damage, people with this type of thinking also suffer psychologically, since they experience less emotions. They deprive themselves of romantic experiences, love and friendship. Always doubting and suspecting his interlocutors, a cynic complicates communication. We'll talk about how difficult it is to communicate with him in the next section.

Reasons for cynicism

From a psychological point of view, healthy cynicism is a protective mechanism of the psyche against excessive and severe stress. People whose professions are associated with frequent emotional burnout one way or another become cynics in the professional sphere.

This type of cynicism even has its own name: “cold cynicism,” which means the recognition of habitual ethical standards as unnecessary. This helps people do their work efficiently and with a cool head, and not be distracted by various emotions: pity, compassion, disgust, fear, etc.

But cynicism may have other, less productive reasons for its occurrence. For example, great shocks, from which the psyche is protected by the mechanism of denial. They turn into the denial of all other values.

Reasons for cynicism include:

deep disappointment in a loved one due to loss, betrayal, etc.;
appropriate parenting model (rude or unemotional parents);
conflict within the individual, loss of ideals and faith in justice, destruction of illusions and hopes;
uncertainty about the future, feeling of insecurity, lack of support;
high self-esteem, pride and selfishness, condescension towards others;
rejection of generally accepted values in pursuit of individuality and originality.

Types of Cynics

Let's consider the categories of cynics stated above.

When a person is overtaken by great grief, he loses faith in himself, in people, in everything good. All those feelings that were previously familiar are now unknown to the newly-made cynic. He is devastated mentally and physically.

In the second case, a person becomes so accustomed to scenes of horror - blood, death, bullying - that he simply stops perceiving it as something scary and terrible. And from a certain point of view, such people can be shown great respect: they are strong in spirit and morally stable. At least in front of everyone. People in the following professions are most susceptible to professional cynicism:

Doctors.
Rescuers.
Policemen.
Military.

People of these professions can make professional jokes and calmly look at bloody people and horror scenes. But then, alone with themselves, they silently choke on tears, drink a lot and cannot sleep... Of course, not everyone reacts this way to passing death, but it’s still worth thinking about - could you calmly and calmly save dozens of lives, watch how Do you kill a comrade in battle, or when trying to save a person, you understand that you can’t help him?

Therefore, professional cynicism is a kind of shield from external problems and irritants, an emotional barrier that helps not to go crazy and remain human.

There is also healthy cynicism when a person does not believe in luck and the sincerity of people, but has a good heart. Such a person will not buy lottery tickets in the hope of winning, will not help a beggar, not believing that he sincerely needs help, but considers it natural to help an old woman cross the road or carry heavy bags. If a healthy cynic helps someone, it is of his own free will, without pressure from outside.

Types of cynicism

All manifestations of cynicism can be divided into 2 types: everyday and professional cynicism.

Everyday cynicism

This type of cynicism includes everything that a cynic does in everyday life. Unflattering statements about others, caustic remarks and ridicule of loved ones, disregard for generally accepted rules, eccentric actions and disregard for the interests of society.

This also includes cynical statements and attitudes towards the opposite sex, which are widespread among both male and female cynics.

Professional cynicism

This type of cynicism affects people whose work involves serious psychological stress. In this way they protect their psyche from stress. This means that cynicism in this manifestation is useful, but in everyday life people may not be cynical at all.

Professional cynicism can occur among doctors, law enforcement officials, firefighters and rescue workers, as well as various employees whose duties include communicating with clients, incl. and dissatisfied.

Types of cynics.

The cynic is a rather heterogeneous character, distinguished by many varieties and related forms. First of all, we can talk about professional and everyday cynicism.

The first is characteristic of representatives of various professions that are associated with great emotional stress. For example, workers in medicine, law enforcement agencies, the media, the legal profession, sales, etc. The image of Doctor House, who, being a first-class doctor, demonstrates an obnoxious character and disrespect for his colleagues, has become popular in world culture. For people like him, cynicism is a professional necessity, without which it is impossible to fulfill one’s duties for a long time.

Everyday cynics are people who carry mistrust and immorality into their personal lives. They mock the feelings and rules of their family, neighbors, friends, casual interlocutors, or members of the opposite sex. The latter, as a rule, get the most.

Take a personality type test

The expanded classification of cynics is as follows:

Ironic - love dark humor and tough jokes;
Vulgar - tend to trivialize human feelings;
Healthy (normal) people simply do not let themselves be fooled;
Ardent - show their nature in any situation;
Greedy people try to find profit in everything;
Malicious – reveling in other people’s failures;
Rational - analyze the situation in detail without unnecessary emotions.

If irony is one of the properties of developed intelligence, and rationality simply reflects an analytical mindset, then such cynics do nothing wrong. Just like normal representatives of this personality type. They simply look deeper into life situations, discarding unnecessary romanticism and rose-colored glasses. Greed cannot be called a good quality of a person, but in modern pragmatic society, the desire for profit and enrichment has become a social norm, without greatly upsetting others.

The most unpleasant interlocutors are vulgar, ardent and malicious cynics, since they demonstrate obvious overkill. Vulgarity, as a rule, reflects a person’s mental inferiority, since jokes “below the belt” indicate the low intelligence of their author. Excessive cynicism repels interlocutors from a person, gradually making him lonely. Malice generally turns a person into an immoral individual prone to illegal actions. There is even a special note in criminal legislation about crimes committed with “exceptional cynicism.”

Anger is also inherent in people who are prone to vandalism . Every vandal has a disregard for values, but not every cynic will engage in vandalism. These concepts are interrelated, but not identical. After all, cynicism does not imply the perception of other people's values, but not their destruction. Then, as a vandal, he is engaged in physical abuse.

A little closer to the cynic is the nihilist. This person denies any rules, laws or beliefs. Unlike a cynic, he tends to doubt the process of cognition, and not the moral aspects. A nihilist will rarely ridicule the feelings of another, but with enviable enthusiasm he will argue with the statements of scientists, philosophers and educators.

Another type is considered to be teenage cynicism , which manifests itself as a kind of protest against the adult world. As a rule, this phenomenon occurs during puberty and personal maturation, when a teenager questions the ideals of the adult world. You shouldn’t think that a cynical teenager will necessarily be re-educated in his teenage years. Infancy may remain at 30 or 40 years old. Men are more often susceptible to this. There are more cynics among them than among women, although this personality type is found among both sexes.

How to Deal with a Cynic

Dealing with a cynic is not an easy task. It is especially difficult for people who are sensitive to manifestations of cynicism: jokes “below the belt” and a disdainful attitude towards themselves. In this case, it is better to reduce communication with cynical acquaintances and colleagues to a minimum.

But sometimes you have to interact against your will; in this case, there are some useful tips:

Don't convince the cynic. Such people often have inflated self-esteem, so they consider themselves very smart and right in everything.
Don't argue with them. A cynic loves to engage in demagoguery, so he will turn any argument in his direction, even if his arguments no longer relate to the topic. Make sure the conversation is specific and concise.
Avoid conflict. Don't let a cynic drag you into controversial situations. You will not achieve justice, and your opponent will once again be convinced of his superiority.
Enter his zone of trust. This advice will be effective if the cynic is a close and important person to you. Try to talk in such a way that the cynic speaks out and explains why he treats others and life in general this way. If you can figure this out, then further communication can become better and friendlier.
Don't try to correct a cynic. Even if a person has opened his soul to you, this does not mean that he is ready to listen and accept other people’s advice. Forcibly “doing good” will only worsen the relationship between you.

Definition

Cynicism

call a negative spiritual and moral quality, manifested in rude and sarcastic remarks, an arrogant attitude towards certain people and events.

The beginnings of cynicism can manifest themselves at a young age in the form of negativism.

References to this personality trait come from Ancient Greece - from the philosophical school of Cynicism, founded by the follower of Socrates, Antisthenes. Subsequently, Diogenes of Sinope became a prominent representative of Cynicism. Being carried away by the ideas of Socrates, the Cynics were unable to fully continue his work. Their philosophy was based on the practical morality of Socrates with his inherent self-control, unpretentiousness in clothing and nutrition. Legend has it that Diogenes made do with a minimum of goods and lived in a clay barrel. Behaving provocatively, he was ridiculed more than once, but he did not care. The Cynics formed disdainful views on the moral values and norms of society, ignoring established rules in simple things (religion, manner of dressing, attitude towards shrines, etc.). Their main goal was to get rid of everything conventional and to be natural. According to their ethics, they tried to “unlearn evil,” which in their understanding consisted of a break with customary moral norms.

The Latins began to call the Cynics cynics, and gradually this definition became stable, acquiring a negative meaning. Cynicism was not welcomed: it was stated that “there is no justification for it.” For the first time, this personality trait was examined in detail in the works of such famous thinkers as Peter Sloterdijk, Bertrand Russell, A. Kanke.

Advantages and disadvantages of cynicism

It would seem that cynicism is a rather negative model of behavior that interferes not only with others, but also with its owner. Nevertheless, this phenomenon also has positive features. Let's look at both sides and the meaning of cynicism in more detail.

Advantages

Cynicism gives a person determination and courage.
Helps to take a rational approach to decisions and actions.
Makes people honest and open, because... cynicism is the opposite of hypocrisy.
Do not allow yourself to be entertained by false hopes or experiences - both negative and positive.
Relieves unnecessary stress during mental stress and difficult situations.
Allows you not to worry and not depend on other people's opinions.

Flaws

The character traits of a cynic interfere with communication and establishing contacts with others.
A limited circle of friends due to the person’s tactlessness.
The cynic himself does not notice and does not understand how he offends people.
People around them try to avoid cynical people so as not to have to deal with them.
It is difficult for a cynic to feel and enjoy positive emotions, to be happy and to share simple human values.
Sometimes a cynic’s behavior only evokes pity, and this greatly hurts his ego.

Cynicism: pros and cons

People are used to idealizing everything. There are many dogmas and moral principles that we are all accustomed to consider normal. We think “A woman should...” and “A man should...” and further ascribe those responsibilities that we are accustomed to consider the norm. The cynic looks at these behavior patterns with sarcasm, and believes that no one owes anyone anything.

Cynicism allows you not to idealize people and relationships, but to perceive everything exactly as it is. For example, if a person at work is asked to stay late and do something, then the boss will veil his request in such a way that there will be a clear sense of responsibility placed on the shoulders of the subordinate. For extracurricular hours, a small bonus may be issued, or a simple “Thank you” may be said, nothing more. A cynic will perceive this request as “Work for the boss’s wallet in your free time, so that you can feel like a responsible person and a good employee.”

And it turns out that a cynic will not sacrifice his interests for the sake of other people. Of course, there is a fine line between cynicism and selfishness here, but cynics still think less about themselves, and more about not allowing others to take advantage of them.

In family relationships, cynics will not tolerate an ultimatum and will not fall for female tricks or manipulations. A healthy view of everything that surrounds them is always a priority for cynics. Therefore, it would be nice for all people to be a little cynical sometimes, which would save us from many troubles and failures in our personal lives and work relationships.

Examples of cynicism

In simple words, cynicism is a demonstrative manifestation of one’s negative attitude towards other people, their views and values.

In literature, heroes with this character trait are often vividly described. Let's look at a few examples of cynicism.

From an early age, everyone knows a true cynic - Carlson. Throughout the story, he is cynical and selfish towards the Kid, who, in turn, sincerely became attached to the hero in the prime of his life.

Another bright literary cynic hero is Evgeny Bazarov, a real nihilist from I. S. Turgenev’s novel “Fathers and Sons.” Because of his loneliness and sense of loss, he was a cynic in his feelings and thoughts, as well as in his statements and manners. From the outside, he seemed like a rather interesting person, but his cynicism, pride, arrogance and disdain for the people around him sometimes turned into outright stupidity.

Almost the same can be said about another famous hero of literature and cinema - Ostap Bender. His excessive cynicism served to obtain outright personal gain. He often played into Ostap's hands: he endowed him with insight, intuition, intelligence and composure. But if he had been able to awaken at least some vital values in himself and used them also skillfully, coupled with cynicism, he would have secured an excellent career for himself, and not petty scams and frauds.

Who is a cynical person?

Having understood who a cynic is in simple words, it is worth considering the issue of cynicism of a different kind and looking deeper into the problem. From the point of view of psychologists, a cynic is a person who unconsciously uses one of the defense mechanisms to deal with stress. This trait can develop over time in some professions associated with emotional burnout.

In this case, the cynical person is a victim of the chosen path. Such cynicism is usually called cold, which means a denial of the usual ethical norms. This property helps you work more productively without getting caught up in emotions. For example, anesthesiologists often have this trait, which develops as a side effect of the profession.

But the field of activity is not always associated with the appearance of this character trait. The reason may be severe shocks that lead to the activation of a defense mechanism (cruel upbringing, psychological trauma, severe disappointment). Experienced events give rise to denial of a specific episode and moral values in general.

Some reasons for the appearance of cynicism in character:

Loss of a loved one, loss, betrayal;
Rough or low-emotional upbringing;
Intrapersonal conflict, loss of ideals, destruction of illusions;
Feeling of defenselessness, uncertainty about the future, loneliness;
Egocentrism, high self-esteem, snobbery;
The desire to be an extraordinary person.

Examples of cynicism in life

Cynicism is a fairly common phenomenon, examples of which can be found at any time. First of all, this is demonstrative dominant behavior, ostentatious denial of other people’s ideals, and a negative attitude towards universal human values.

Playwrights and novelists use cynicism in relationships to create their characters. An example of this behavior is the Kid’s well-known friend named Carlson. Throughout the book, he brazenly and cynically uses the boy for his own purposes. His attitude is self-centered and consumerist. But the play partner treats the cynic with trepidation and love. This happens in real life - if one of the two is a cynic in a couple, then all the sacrifices have to be made by the second partner.

Another hardened cynic is Bazarov from the work “Fathers and Sons” by I. Turgenev. The reason for his defect was loneliness and a feeling of being lost. He was a cynic both in words and in thoughts. Moreover, his personality aroused interest among outside observers, but his egocentrism and neglect sometimes looked stupid.

Cynical people are often found in literature. Another well-known and beloved character by many is Ostap Bender from “12 Chairs” by Ilf and Petrov. He did not even hide his exorbitant cynicism and greed. At the same time, the personality of the “great schemer” was very interesting - he had a sharp, resourceful mind, insight, ingenuity and a unique sense of humor. All this endowed the “son of a Turkish subject” with charm and charm, the effect of which quickly faded after his cynical actions.

The beloved Sherlock Holmes is another example of cold cynicism. The devilishly smart and insightful detective did not hide his disdainful behavior towards others. He saw in the crimes committed only a source of entertainment in the form of interesting riddles. Some researchers even consider him a psychopath.

Perhaps the creators of Doctor House from the series of the same name were inspired by this hero. This “hero of our time,” a brilliant doctor, with a remarkable mind saves the lives of hopeless patients by finding the cause of their ailments. But like Holmes, he sees people only as a way to have fun and overcome boredom. He shamelessly uses his friends to obtain drugs, and even the love of a beautiful woman cannot change the hardened cynic Gregory House.

Is it possible to love a cynic?

Oddly enough, cynics are quite popular with the opposite sex. Most people mistake cynicism for signs of intelligence and self-confidence. These qualities are attractive. Usually girls admire these, considering them signs of the character of a real man. This is how many people greatly deceive themselves.

Moreover, they believe that a cynical person will be completely different with them: he will reveal his other side (enthusiastic and tender) and show what kind of pure love relationship he is capable of. As a rule, such expectations do not come true. The reason for this is that love also does not exist for a cynic, because he is not capable of such feelings.

A person’s cynicism more often manifests itself in situations when he feels despair (there is nothing left to lose) and his own impunity.

Cynicism in modern times

In modern times, this is the name given to people who disregard ethical and moral standards, and demonstratively. As a rule, cynics deny compassion, pity, shame and find motivation for any of their actions.

They deny everything beautiful and lofty: love is reduced to sex, sympathy is reduced to showing off against the background of those who are not very lucky and successful, gratitude is reduced to the desire to receive only benefits. Such people are characterized by constant ridicule of everything that is dear and very significant to the majority, as well as rude language about all this.

There is no authority for such people. In their opinion, the truth is always on their side. They trust only themselves. In communication they are often ironic and at the same time a little interesting.

How to become cynics

Cynicism is the result of life experience, and not a very favorable one. The more injustices and disappointments a person encounters along the way, the more likely it is that he will become this same cynic.

All the ideals acquired in childhood are destroyed one by one when a person finds himself in a society with all the negative aspects occurring in it. And if he cannot accept the world as it is and does not find new ideals, he may begin to deny everything that was previously valuable in him, and, of course, important for society. This is how a not-so-good, cynical person is born.

An integral part of this human trait is pride. A cynic is not ready to admit his mistakes and shortcomings. It’s easier for him to make others guilty.

Teenagers usually suffer from cynicism. This is a kind of reaction to a change in personality. This is how many teenagers protect themselves from a world that seems hostile to them. As they grow older, many outgrow this, but many remain cynics for life.

Why does cynicism arise?

We have already smoothly approached this issue, that cynicism is a kind of defense! Moreover, protecting oneself from the outside world. Psychologists identify the main reasons for the emergence of cynicism or the intensification of its manifestation:

Heartache from separation or betrayal
Parents who were too strict and/or rude, who entirely dictated their own rules, did not show love
Low self-esteem
Loss of Ideals
I'm in a deep phase of depression
Disappointment in life or society
Loss of support in life, which leads to a feeling of insecurity
The desire to oppose the system to prove one's superiority and individualism
It may also be the result of excessive narcissism and/or pride. By the way, you might be interested in reading the article “Pride and Arrogance: What’s the Difference?”

Important: Cynicism is self-defense, an opportunity to protect yourself from pain!

Causes

How to identify cynicism in yourself and in your loved ones?

Everything is quite simple, test yourself on these points.

A cynic thinks that all people's actions are motivated by their personal interests and benefits.
People do good only for personal glory or as a calculated investment to make some profit.
People will lie to get ahead, exploit others when it benefits them and can get away with it.
Cynicism is based on complete distrust of people!
Your primary speaking/texting tone is sarcastic.
You start to hate the cute photos posted by your friends on social networks, as well as loving couples in a public place.
You are always convinced that people want something from you.
You are seriously questioning your belief in “happily ever after.”
You are always prepared for the worst.

Cynicism often manifests itself in adolescence, when there is a protest against the entire system. It has also been noted that cynicism in some people increases with age. This is influenced by failures in life, betrayal, understanding of many things and broken dreams.

What sometimes hides behind the mask of cynicism

Cynicism from a psychological point of view

In psychology, it is believed that cynicism is one of the types of neurotic behavior. A person is not interested in generally accepted norms of behavior and values. He mocks popular beliefs and destroys conventional standards and authorities.

When does cynicism first begin to appear?

Until the age of three, the child does not oppose himself to the world, does not demonstrate his uniqueness. Having crossed this age limit, he radically changes his behavior, acquiring previously unknown traits. The child enters a critical age, showing hysterics, commanding loved ones and being offended for many reasons.

Many parents are shocked by this “reincarnation.” Having realized his own “I,” the baby begins to fall into negativism, which helps him express his individual needs and desires. Defending his identity, he confronts adults, refusing what he previously liked or ignoring their requests. If such behavior manifests itself especially clearly, the assumption gradually appears that the child is susceptible to cynicism. In fact, this is just a stage of growing up that is gradually disappearing. If the parents failed to direct the child’s thoughts and self-expression in the right direction, the personality trait remains, and the growing person continues his self-affirmation.