Isn't it better to be a cynic, rather than a blind follower of the crowd?

Question

(((Grippy)))

(((Vicarious Cynic)))

Answer 1

Better? Worse? I don't know.

I think there are a lot of positive aspects of cynicism that are overlooked in the tide of negative opinion. The definition of cynic that I prefer is "an idealist whose rose colored glasses have been removed, thrown down, and crushed - thereby immediately improving ones vision"

(((UKWID)))

Answer 2

First, let's see the definition of the word:
From Merriam-Webster online:
Main Entry: cyn·ic
Pronunciation: 'si-nik
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle French or Latin, Middle French cynique, from Latin cynicus, from Greek kynikos, literally, like a dog, from kyn-, kyOn dog -- more at HOUND
1 capitalized : an adherent of an ancient Greek school of philosophers who held the view that virtue is the only good and that its essence lies in self-control and independence
2 : a faultfinding captious critic; especially : one who believes that human conduct is motivated wholly by self-interest

If one goes by the first definition, there should be some reward to having self control, and virtue, in that one can simply sleep at night, and not have to worry about deeds done, actions taken, or other minutia of the day

Now let's look at the second definition. If someone finds fault in things that are wrong, because the people making decisions only have their own interests in mind, and not the big picture, it would seem that such a person is vital in any walk of life. Without a cynic, there would be only trial and error, and very little learning. People need to look at all the repercussions of what they do, and not just their own self interest. Therefore a cynic is not only better than following the crowd, but necessary for people to move on and improve.

Answer 3

Not if the crowd is going to, say, your nearest bakery. Follow them and buy a cinnamon roll.

It's not good to totally detach oneself from crowds (which I'm assuming you are using a metaphor for religion, probably christianity). Religions exist for a reason, so that you can find people who believe as you do.

So rather than simply join a crowd and do as they do, assess your personal beliefs and find like-minded individuals. Then you aren't just blindly following a crowd, your in a crowd whose destination is your destination, and your just traveling together. See?

Answer 4

Blind or deaf you ask, blind is like having a coronary heart that cant beat and deaf is equivocal to having a lung that now no longer gasp for air. One represents the different however the different would not signify one.

Answer 5

A lot of cynics I know merely follow another crowd, telling themselves they're "different".

In all honesty, the rarest type is one who bothers to listen and comprehend both sides of a story and treat them with equal value, before arriving at their OWN decision, which is likely to be somewhere in the middle.

Answer 6

Cynics are just annoying gum flappers who can't make up their own mind and as annoying as Shemei throwing rocks at King David!

Answer 7

Yup. Its a shame too many people have grown used to following the crowd... such a shame

Answer 8

This question reminds me of this cartoon that depicts a flock of sheep, as far as the eye can see, except there is one sheep up on his back legs and he calls out to the flock: "LISTEN TO ME!! YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE SHEEP!!"

I like being a cynic and prefer it. But sheep so often don't see themselves as one among the other balls of fluff.

(((((hugs))))
Lady Morganaaaaa baaa baaa baaa
:-)

Answer 9

Absolutely, you cute lil penguin! I would rather discover the truth and be alone in my beliefs than be with a majority who are mistaken.
"An error does not become truth by reason of multiplied propagation, nor does truth become error because nobody sees it. "
Gandhi

Answer 10

Are those the only two choices? How about a little middle of the road there bunky?