Lately cynicism threatens to overwhelm me so I looked for some help from writers, poets, comedian/philosophers. As I gathered their quotes about cynicism, I came to see that it is an overlay to who we really are as alive aspirational human beings.
I am just a heartbroken romantic who longs for a good world for everyone, trying to keep seeing the silver lining in these times. Cynicism may be the enemy of my perseverance to act. Even if it is reality keeping my impractical romanticism in check, I say resist its power to take us down.
“Scratch any cynic and you will find a disappointed idealist.”
“Cynics always say no. But saying “yes” begins things. Saying “yes” is how things grow. Saying “yes” leads to knowledge. “Yes” is for young people. So for as long as you have the strength to, say “yes’.”
A cynical young person is almost the saddest sight to see, because it means that he or she has gone from knowing nothing to believing nothing.
Cynic, n. A blackguard whose faulty vision sees things as they are not as they ought to be.”
― Ambrose Bierce, The Unabridged Devil’s Dictionary
“Scratch the surface of most cynics and you find a frustrated idealist — someone who made the mistake of converting his ideals into expectations.”
“…God created the world in six days. On the seventh day, he rested. On the eighth day, he started getting complaints. And it hasn’t stopped since.”
― James Scott Bell, Sins of the Fathers
“Cynics are – beneath it all – only idealists with awkwardly high standards.”
I’m hearing Annie belt out: The sun’ll come out tomorrow….