Is pessimism and cynicism bad?

Question

It seems USA is quite "intolerant" with cynical and pessimistic people. Not that they are all "good". I admit hypocrisy in many. But something insides me makes me cynical and pessimistic. Can't help it. But we tend to forget the large number of famous "cynics" and "pessimistic" people we had: Mark Twain, Henry Thoreau, W.C. Fields and Groucho Marx. I will never be famous, nor I wish it, but I am in "good company", ha ha. Feedback, please.

Answer 1

Well, i'm quite a cynical and pessimistic person myself and in many ways it helps me deal with life at times. But i've noticed that it annoys some people around me. The funny thing is, people who aren't that intelligent tend to see cynicism as something annoying and don't like your comments, while people who are... well, more intelligent, laugh with you, cause they get the cynical, pessimistic view, which sometimes can't be easily understood. It's not as obvious as plain humor. To me it's just a way of dealing with stuff that i can't really change. To sum up, i don't see anything wrong with being pessimistic or cynical, as long as you make sure you don't hurt anyone's feelings.
Ha, by the way, when i was studying for my exams, i read that humor is a constructive way of dealing with your issues, while cynicism supposedly isn't.

Answer 2

I'd thin k, if you want to have a happy life, you'd best get over the pessimistic attitude you have, and start thinking happy thoughts about people and things!
Some folks you mentioned are/were movie actors, and weren't good role models! Better get over it.
Cycicsm in writing and film seems to draw folks into the movies and shows, so those folks used it whenever they could, to attract watchers and listeners, mainly to make money, or get ahead in life.
The writers also used it to sell books, etc. If you aren't careful with that kind of life, it could make your friends drop you, or an employer to let you go. But, if you channel it into getting ahead, and don't let it influence you as to you getting and keeping friends, jobs, schooling, or relationships, then a little cynicsm is good for you!
I use it at times, when the Gov-ment tells us that taxes increasing are going to be good for the nation, or global warming is caused by burning fossil fuels! (Higher gasoline taxes will make it go away!--Burn less natural gas-keep your homes just above 60 degrees)--those kinds of things i'm cynical about!

Answer 3

Again, 'bad' is a subjective term. If however, you replace the word 'bad' with 'useful', then you can begin to assess the meaning of the question.

To suggest that something inside of you 'makes' you cynical is merely not recognizing the processes that you have unconsciously installed into your thinking that influence you to feel as you do. And you absolutely CAN help it. What you are doing is giving away control of your own thought process to the world outside of yourself. Take responsibility for yourself.

You have listed several examples of 'cynics' and as I look at the list it is apparent to me why you have such perceptions. These people were not cynics, they were 'Critical Thinkers' and there is a very big difference.

Answer 4

There is nothing wrong with either trait it is simply that many have atributed those traits to depression both as a cause and an effect, which makes sense. If you are always seeing the worst in things you could easily become depressed. But, back on point the USA hates depression, that is why they want anyone who is not perky on antidepressants instead of realizing that that might be the natural and correct response to something. At least that is my view on it.

Answer 5

Usually you Will get, what you expect. Pessimism and cynicism themselves have a way or affecting the outcome in your life.

There is an energy associated with being optimistic, that is having hope, faith, courage. Being optimistic does not say there Will be no problems, it says we will be able to overcome them. Pessimism is perhaps a stalk reality, but optimism in one self, even optimism in God, is the only way for one to actually live an abundant life.

Answer 6

The REALITY is that this is Preacher incident is a tactic to divide this nation over an issue that isn't getting addressed. It isn't a simple as you make it sound and most people don't care until it affects them. How many black people do you know? because you are stereotyping the black community and the black church. sorry if i am harsh but for some reason i feel i shouldn't have to defend my Race like this.

Answer 7

I can see value in cynicism, so long as it is used to point out the harmful nature of pessimism.

Love and blessings Don

Answer 8

i wouldnt say its bad, its just a way of viewing life and the people in it
you get confirmation and surprises in either way of thinking, pessimistic or optimistic
very, very few people could say that their life and their expected life, is all positive or negative
those who expect positive get both, and are more likely to see what they are looking for, and be surprised when they see negative
and the same with those who expect negative , they see it, and are surprised when they see positive

Answer 9

not neccesarily, balance of the universe and all that, optimism needs it's pessimism, if there's no pessimism then how do you identify optimism and would you really like to live in a world full of optimists? cuz that would make me a pessimist. :)

Answer 10

it is a part of human behaviour whether you like it or not it is applicable to all world,i dont understand what is so diffent with american people.or is it that american people think upside down