Being cynical can be both good and bad, depending on the situation. Holding too tightly to a particular philosophy may not be healthy, but a healthy level of cynicism can be an asset in certain occupations. However, being completely cynical is rarely seen as a good thing and can cause a person to miss out on life’s pleasures.
It is never easy to assign values of good or bad to a particular behavior or belief. What can be seen today as a bad principle could prove useful hundreds of years from now. In this particular case, being cynical isn’t necessarily good or bad in the immediate sense. A person might see a politician’s actions as altruistic, while a more cynical person may see the exact same actions as selfish. Both points of view can be considered valid until history confirms the true facts.
The problem with being cynical is the same as with being too skeptical, pragmatic, stoic, or analytical. Holding too tightly to a particular philosophy or moral framework may not be the healthiest way to deal with life’s constant changes. Being too cynical about the motivations of others can lead to a life of total distrust and bitter disappointments. Occasionally, an act of kindness, philanthropy, or charity happens for altruistic reasons, so being too cynical to appreciate the essential goodness of others can be socially disabling.
However, there is a healthy level of cynicism. There’s an old saying that a pessimist is rarely disappointed, and the same philosophy holds true for the cynic among us. A cynical investigative reporter, for example, might harbor enough distrust of government institutions to hold government officials accountable for their actions. Many candidates need to be able to impress the most cynical member of a committee before landing the position. Being cynical, at least in the healthiest sense of the word, can actually be an asset in certain occupations that require a critical eye or a sense of discernment.
Simon Cowell, the acerbic judge of American Idol, may be cynical about the music business, but his cynicism allows him to recognize true talent.
In general, though, it’s rarely a good thing to be seen by others as completely cynical. The word “cynical” is almost always associated with other negative qualities such as bitterness or anger. A little cynicism often goes a long way, just like sarcasm or pessimism. Eventually others may anticipate a cynical response and avoid the risk of engaging in conversation altogether. Being cynical can work as a defense mechanism against those with truly selfish intentions, but this lack of confidence can also cause a cynic to miss out on some of life’s pleasures as well.
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