A cynic is a person who clearly ignores generally accepted moral standards in his actions. Cynicism manifests itself in a deliberately emphasized disregard for moral values and demonstrates personal rebellion. The reason for such a protest may be a rebellious position or a loss of faith in the value of social rules.
Often cynicism arises when a person has lost everything, from grief, or he is not afraid of a cruel reaction to his actions from the outside.
The meaning of the word cynic is often associated with tactlessness, lawlessness and cruelty. Seeing all this, it seems that cynics lack empathy, kindness and pity. But it happens that emotionality is hidden under the guise of cynicism, perceiving it as vulnerability.
A cynic is a person who knows the price of everything and knows nothing about the value. A sentimentalist is a person who sees ridiculous value in everything and knows nothing about price. Oscar Wilde
In the above quote, the famous writer and poet means that if a person focuses on the cost of things instead of thinking about what those things can do for him, then that person ends up becoming a cynic.
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).
What characteristics does a cynical person have? The meaning of the word "cynic"
The expression “cynicism” is derived from the name of the philosophical ancient Greek school of Cynics (in other words, Cynics).
Its representatives (Diogenes, Antisthenes, etc.) preached such a view of generally accepted moral values and norms as disdain. What does a cynical person mean? Simply put, he, as a rule, demonstratively shows his own immorality.
The meaning of the word "cynicism" in ancient times
What is cynicism? Cynics (or cynics) in the fourth century BC were philosophers who despised all conventions and sought to simplify life to the maximum. In addition, they rejected both social traditions and ethical norms, and even accepted illiteracy as a blessing.
Over time, the meaning of the word has changed slightly. “Cynical man” has acquired a broader formulation.
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.
A cynical person: features of communication with him
Unfortunately, cynicism is fashionable now. A person of this character usually gives the impression of being smart and advanced without much effort. They call themselves realists and believe that they judge the world impartially.
In general, the attitude towards them is ambiguous. On the one hand, such behavior usually causes protest and mostly indignation among society. On the other hand, minor moderate cynicism is more often perceived by people as a sign of developed intelligence. A cynical person easily discerns the truth and essence through any verbal husk.
Many of these people take advantage of the fact that even a small amount of cynicism gives a smart person some kind of charm, allowing him to win against the background of enthusiastic people who are narrow-minded.
In general, people are designed in such a way that they need to believe in something, value something. And there will always be a person who devalues what is important to the people around him, and all this is done rather tactlessly. For him, delicacy and tact are also not a value.
Who is he? He's just a cynical person. What normal person would want to communicate with him? Indeed, as a result of communicating with a cynic, the consequences are such that a feeling of emptiness sets in, and life begins to seem primitive and even meaningless.
And living together with a cynic is unbearable. Otherwise, it is a path to depression and self-doubt.
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.
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.
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Types of Cynics
Black comedian
People who like the most jokes are the following: “To solve the world's two problems, the homeless must be given to the hungry.”
Although this is the most innocent form of cynicism, it can offend a sensitive person. However, such a cynic feels sorry for the abandoned puppy and treats old people with respect. Evil jokes are just jokes for him. He separates real life from fictional life. What is the danger? Such a person may be considered angry and cynical. You need to feel the line and not force your jokes on people. If your humor is not appreciated, you should not tell your joke many times or get upset. It's better to ask for forgiveness. Or you can share this joke with someone who has a similar sense of humor to you.
Black humor is an art. To learn it, you need to be a very moral person. Otherwise, the jokes may turn nasty and people will start to avoid you.
Healthy cynic
Such a person does not buy lottery tickets and remains indifferent to emails asking him to financially help a shelter for homeless dogs.
He understands that there are many ways in the world to exploit wonderful feelings, and he will not allow himself to be deceived. On the one hand, this is reasonable, on the other hand, indifference to people is still cynicism. Although used for protection.
Such a person will not give to a beggar, because he does not believe in his sincerity, but will help his grandmother carry her bag. His suspicious attitude towards life is redeemed by his kind heart. He doesn't like being pressured, but he willingly helps if he decides to do so.
What is the danger? Move from reasonable cynicism to cowardly egoism. Sometimes you need to get over yourself.
Anti-lyricist
Such a person is irritated by insincere kisses upon meeting and valentine cards.
However, he is not at all devoid of feelings. It’s just that, in his opinion, true romance is more than a bouquet of flowers. This man is a maximalist. He cannot stand lies and rushes to extremes. His arrogant cynicism is a form of opposition against banality and imposed opinions. What is the danger? Obsess over yourself or start hurting other people.
Yes, if you want a lot and get little, you will want to get angry at all the people. But it is unwise to do so. Try to see the good around you, rather than endlessly looking for flaws in life.
A cynic is a person who says out loud what we think. Pierre Daninos
Materialist without imagination
In such a person, the mind is more developed than the feelings.
Sometimes this is beneficial. He cannot be tormented by non-reciprocal love. Having realized that someone does not like it, this person switches his attention to other people. Unexpected grief will not bend him - he will immediately begin to correct the situation. However, such a person is deprived of much in this life. In the cinema, instead of feeling, he watches how well the actors perform. These people do not believe in selflessness. They do not know how to empathize: they either immediately become active or withdraw.
What is the danger? In the end, close relationships may disappear from your life, only business ones will remain.
Malicious pest
Any cynic, if he fails to stop in time, ends up in this state.
He is indifferent to other people's successes, gloats, ignoring the losers. With such cynicism many vices and shortcomings appear. His favorite pastime is to mock a person who cannot stand up for himself. However, such cynics are very unhappy people. What is the danger for them? Death alone.
Reasons for the development of cynicism
- When a child encounters some kind of injustice in childhood, he begins to hide his inner pain and hide under external indifference. If at the moment the parents do not help him cope with the sensations and do not explain how to survive it, then over time he will get used to such a reaction and turn into a cynic.
- Cynicism is characteristic of a teenager when puberty begins. Due to changes in hormonal levels, he tries to isolate himself from the world and protect himself.
- As we grow older, cynicism disappears, however, for some people it remains for life.
- When a boy or girl is faced with unrequited love, they will begin to convince others that real feelings do not exist. A woman who has experienced the betrayal of her beloved, his betrayal, will begin to assure others that men cannot remain faithful to their partner all their lives. And all because this individual cannot cope with his loss.
- Cynicism is present among people of certain professions. They need it for fruitful work. Cynicism helps in the careers of lawyers, doctors, and consultants. For example, consider doctors. If they had to feel all the suffering and pain of their patients, they would very quickly become emotionally exhausted and would not be able to work professionally.
- People use cynicism to hide from feelings of guilt and remorse, or from other negative experiences.
It turns out that the reasons for cynicism may be the following factors:
- improper parenting, a personal example of cynicism that is adopted by a child in adulthood;
- constant violation of individual rights, leading to the realization that laws are only of a legal nature;
- an unfair attitude towards rights and personal freedom provokes the cynicism necessary for protection;
Individuals who were previously altruists, trusting of other people, and romantics can turn into true cynics under the influence of severe life blows, in particular, betrayal and deep disappointment.
Famous people are cynics
Sigmud Freud
Freud is the first one to come to mind when it comes to cynicism. He explained his sublime impulses by elementary instincts. However, Freud was not the first to discover this. He considered his teacher A. Schopenhauer, who said that a cruel, irrational World Will rules over man and the world. The human ego is a plaything for the unconscious force. And Freud was not the first to equate love and sexual desire; surprisingly, A. Schopenhauer was the first to do this.
Friedrich Nietzsche
Nietzsche may seem like a cynic if you do not study in detail the subtleties of his worldview.
However, Nietzsche is more of a romantic. What is the difference? A romantic, unlike a cynic, suffers because he sees a huge difference between the real world and his ideals. Nietzsche did not rejoice in telling people that God was dead, it was voicing the sad truth, the understanding that pure ideals had also disappeared.
Dr. House
Dr. House is a very famous cynic these days.
Doctors are becoming cynical. If they grieved for every person they failed to help and died, they would very soon go crazy. House is a cynic not because he is lame, but because he first of all sees the disease, but he tries not to notice the person. The disease is an interesting problem for him, but he doesn’t like people.
Loyalty and Gratitude for Cynics
The highest virtue for the followers of Antisthenes was not only the desire for simplicity, a contemptuous attitude, and rejection of all human weaknesses. The concept of gratitude was important to them. This is exactly the feeling that a person should experience in relation to Nature, which generously bestows all living things around.
Another virtue was loyalty. You need to understand that this is being true to yourself, your beliefs. The disdainful attitude towards ethics and norms of behavior of such individuals stemmed from a great desire to demonstrate to everyone around them all the absurdity and inexpediency of any attitudes that drive a person into a certain framework.
In modern society, cynicism is a pretense. A person who does not share the rules, norms, guidelines, and ideology accepted as the only correct models of behavior in the society around him is simply pretending for his own convenience. Because it is beneficial for him. The highest priority is to achieve your own meaningful goals.
