Is Cynicism Destroying Us?

Two Senators, Two Perspectives

The two senators from my state walk into two press conferences. They’re both asked their opinions on the California fires.

One senator bluntly declares that Californians “don’t deserve” help. The other, while acknowledging financial constraints, says, “The people of California need to know that America stands with them, and that’s the message I plan to send.”

Which senator would you want representing you?

  • The cynical and stingy one?
  • Or the discerning and compassionate one?

Make it more personal:

  • Which senator would you want as a friend if you were in tough times?
  • And, maybe more importantly, which person would you hope to be if someone needs your help?

The Rise of Cynicism

As someone who cares deeply about politics and our democracy, I’m troubled as I wrestle with cynicism myself. Which politicians are trustworthy, and which ones are as detestable as they appear?

I know I’m not alone in the struggle. Cynicism is on the rise across America.

  • In 1972, nearly half of Americans agreed with the statement, “Most people can be trusted.”
  • By 2018, only 33% felt that way.
  • By 2025? I can’t imagine how much further that number has fallen.

How cynical are you?

Consider these three statements from Jamili Zaki’s book, Hope for Cynics:

  1. No one cares much what happens to you.
  2. Most people dislike helping others.
  3. Most people are honest chiefly through fear of getting caught.

Zaki says that the more statements you agree with, the more likely you are to be suspicious of family, friends, and strangers.

Cynicism vs. Skepticism

I don’t want to be cynical. Cynical people aren’t pleasant. They aren’t approachable. They aren’t helpful.

So what can we do to avoid cynicism? One of Zaki’s suggestions surprised me: become skeptical.

I often confuse cynicism and skepticism, but they are actually quite different from each other. Zaki defines cynicism as a lack of faith in people, but skepticism as a lack of faith in assumptions.

To practice skepticism instead of cynicism:

  • Notice when you think you already know all the answers.
  • Question your assumptions; ask yourself why you hold this opinion.
  • Pay closer attention to what you actually see and hear in front of you.

When I do that, I am reminded that people are pretty good after all. For example, when I watch clips of volunteers helping fire victims in California, I’m uplifted. I remember that most people do step up for each other in times of trouble.

Humanity is kinder than we often give it credit for.

But what about the truly bad stuff? Of course there are people who do bad things. Some people prove they aren’t worthy of our trust. (Some of those people may be politicians?!!)

But I believe the harmful, selfish ones are in the minority. Far more people do good things. I see them. I hear them.

And I want to learn from them.

The Path Forward

Skepticism helps us remain open to the goodness in the world. It allows us to hold opinions lightly, collect evidence, and challenge our own biases. It reminds us that not all people or institutions are untrustworthy.

It’s unhealthy to be distrustful of everything.

The sorting of America isn’t working in our favor. If “my side” entirely distrusts “your side” and vice versa, we’ll never uncover shared values or work toward a better future together.

But instead, if we ask questions instead of making hateful assumptions, if we listen to each other’s stories instead of opinions only, and if we celebrate common ground when we find it, we might begin to heal some of our rifts.

Zaki says,

  • Trust loudly.
  • Savor goodness with others.
  • Put hopeful skepticism into action.

As I watch my two senators take opposite approaches to the California fire victims, I see one driven by cynicism and distrust, while the other is motivated by compassion and hope.

I know which senator is making a more positive difference with their attitude, and which one continues to create more headaches for everybody.

Because cynicism hurts everyone, not just the cynic.

But skepticism? It might just open the door to connection, healing, and a brighter path forward.

Watch for kindness around you. You might be amazed at what you find. I know I am.

I still believe most people can be trusted. I see too much good in them to remain a cynic.


Share your thoughts in the comments.

7 thoughts on “Is Cynicism Destroying Us?

  1. Michele Morin

    This is a timely post, Lisa. While we grapple with the politicization of every possible issue, it’s hard to keep a soft heart to the human element behind almost every topic. I’m looking forward to a rereading of the gospels in 2025 because I need to be reminded of the way Jesus saw and loved people.

  2. Martha J Orlando

    I love how you’ve defined the differences between being a cynic and a skeptic, Lisa. I know that I want to always find the good in others, especially when everything around us seems to be falling apart. I can see how being a skeptic is a healthy approach to any situation we may face. Praying for all those who have suffered in these horrible fires and those still trying to put their lives back together from Helene. Blessings!

  3. Jean Wise

    to be honest I wrestle with this and am more cynical now than in the past. This is a good post to read to face my feelings and recognize I do NOT want to live this way. thank you , Lisa.

  4. Lynn D. Morrissey

    Lisa, as always you make me think!! Wow. You’re wonderful (and so well-read)! Admittedly, b/c I know who that cynical senator of yours is, the one who callously declared that Californians “don’t deserve” help, I was primed to think you’d have something else to say. I can always *presume* which is not a great way to be! Mike always asks, “Who died and made you queen,” to which I reply, “She did die,” to which *he* replies, “Yes, Lynni, but no one has coronated you!” 🙂

    I have a similar senator in St. Louis and now, recently, a newly elected second one, and they do NOT wish to send aid to CA, without numerous attached strings. Admittedly, I think this attitude over suffering people is far more immoral than cynical, but still, you make some great points. And rather than skeptical (which can also connote constant doubt), I prefer the term discerning. BUT, and here is where I resonate, I’m far too quick to jump to conclusions and to assign bad motives, ALWAYS, whenever I disagree politically. What I am not doing so well, but trying and learning, is to dialog w/ people (if they will–often they refuse) and to hear their side of things. Sometimes their motives are a far cry from what I presume, even if I don’t like the results, words, or actions. And bottom line is that Jesus calls us to an uncompromising love and to remember that we, too, are sinners (ask me how I know *I* am!!!), and it’s good for me to remember soberly there but for the grace of God, mostly assuredly go I!! If I respond well and do not take offense, God gets the credit. If I am haughty and presumptuous, that is on me!

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