Is it better to be cynical or idealistic?

At times, it’s situationally advantageous. By withholding their trust, a cynic might be less vulnerable to being fooled or taken advantage of. Meanwhile, an idealist might be tricked by into believing another person’s lies because they don’t believe anyone would be dishonest.

Can you be a cynical idealist?

To conclude, the attitude of cynical idealism, as doubtful or pessimistic as it may sound, might be the most positive—and yes, meaningful—life stance for you. Here you’re not discarding your idealism, you’re simply revising it to reflect realities you can’t, with impunity, ignore.

Is being an idealist a good thing?

Idealism is great when it is an aspiration and an attitude, but one has to take care that it does not lead to illusions or unrealistic expectations. But it is very important to emerge from one’s ideals from time to time, to take a reality check and feel the ground beneath one’s feet!

Why is being an idealist bad?

Their perpetual disappointment with less-than-perfect outcomes leads them to find a sense of inner control. The downside of being an idealist is feeling as though dreams are often dashed – yet this usually leads to discerning what is and isn’t within your control.

Are children idealistic?

Bright children are often intense, sensitive, idealistic, and concerned with fairness, and they are quick to see inconsistencies and absurdities in the classroom, in their families, and in the world.

What is a cynical person like?

distrusting or disparaging the motives of others; like or characteristic of a cynic. showing contempt for accepted standards of honesty or morality by one’s actions, especially by actions that exploit the scruples of others. bitterly or sneeringly distrustful, contemptuous, or pessimistic.

Is cynicism the same as pessimism?

1. Pessimism is the belief that there are more bad things in life than there is good while cynicism is the belief that people should not be trusted. 2. Pessimism views the world as getting worse as the years pass while cynicism views people with distrust and scorn for their motives.

What is the difference between idealism and cynicism?

The basic concept of idealism is essentially one of transcendence: either pursuing—or desiring, wishing, or even longing for—what doesn’t yet exist (if, in fact, it ever can). Cynicism, probably best viewed as defeated idealism (note Carlin’s quote), suggests a disenchantment with what had earlier been believed or sought after.

What do you call a Cynic?

“A cynic” A “cynic” is what an idealist calls a realist. Or, if the author has privilege of word processing, they may be inclined to italicize: A cynic is what an idealist calls a realist.

What would an idealist call a realist?

A cynic is what an idealist calls a realist. By emphasizing the single word cynic, it’s very unambiguous that the author wishes refer to the idea of cynicism, rather than the simple act of calling someone by the name “A cynic.” It also brings the first sentence’s meaning much closer to the inferred meaning of the second sentence.

Is the “Cynical Idealist” an oxymoron?

And by itself the oxymoron “cynical idealist” demands clarification, since it propels us in two opposing directions at once. Still, an unqualified idealism can be seen as naturally “trending” toward cynicism as, inevitably, the whole enterprise of living compels us to add increasingly more qualifications to that idealism.