On Fighting Cynicism

Dave Dorr:

So how do we fight cynicism?

Since cynicism is primarily a sin of anger, then we fight cynicism by fighting anger. But we often don’t want to fight anger. We don’t want to fight because we feel justified in the way we feel. To give up anger often means having to give up our correct position – a position we think we deserve.

We must move forward, though, before the arrogance grows until it envelops our whole self. That is, until we are just a SELF, nothing more.

So first, as in all anger, we must humble ourselves. Cynicism says, “the world would be a better place if people just thought like me.” We have to give up this position. The world would be a better place if the cynic immediately forgoes their superiority.

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On Cynicism

David Paul Dorr:

Anger always has an exhaust pipe. For some it’s a temper. For some the anger turns inward and comes out as depression. For some, though, anger escapes through cynicism. 

Cynics constantly want to manage people, put them in their boxes. Cynics have a high view of their understanding and a low view of another’s point-of-view. If they can’t find a flaw in an argument, they can find one in motives or in tone. 

They are focused on their will, their version of events, their commentary. They pride themselves in seeing around people, or seeing through them. But they never actually see them. And it’s anger, resulting from the obstruction of their will. Their will is for people to see things the way they see: always questioning, never trusting. 

Above all, cynics don’t pray for people.

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