Cynicism Can Be the Final Refuge of Idealism

Sometimes, those who appear the most critical and pessimistic,
are so because they visualize how much better things could be…

Actually, the term "cynic" can be traced back to a school of ancient Greek philosophy, circa 400 BC. Cynics of those days believed that one should live a life of virtue in harmony with nature. Philosophical cynics rejected conventional hunger for wealth, power, or fame, and instead sought to live a life free free of material possessions and shallow desire. So you see, buried beneath a modern day edifice of scorn and seeming hopelessness, there is a vault wherein there is room for an optimistic view.

Wow, I don't believe I said that whole thing! Didn't think it was still in me, having left academia several decades ago. But anyway...to get back on point...

Idealists envision how things ought to be, while realists accept them as they are. Only cynics compare the two, and rail against the disparity...

Cynics, I submit, areofthe world, steeped in its realities, yet completely  unaccepting of its shortcomings. They refuse at all times to go quietly into the night, but kick and scream and flail their fists — all the way to oblivion, if necessary. And in our continual effort to prove them wrong, they are like an anvil against which a blacksmith's hammer forges a strong and useful tool. 

I am personally not a big fan of Reinhold Niebuhr's exceedingly well known and widely lauded "Serenity Prayer", because I believe it unwittingly provides justification in most people's minds for doing nothing about almost everything that is wrong in this world.

As I see it, Niebuhr was an unrealistic idealist to think it of benefit to counsel people to accept that which cannot be changed, have the courage to change that which can, and  the wisdom to know one from the other. As any true cynic will tell you, if we had an iota of wisdom in the first place, the world would not be in the state it is in.

Cynics may disagree with you. Indeed, they may be disagreeable. But...
they are not trolls

As we approach the New Year, in the spirit of renewal that inevitably arises at this time, understand that cynics are not trolls. Indeed, true cynics may actually be key elements in the conscience of society. So, hug one. Pat one on the head. Take one for a coffee or a beer. Maybe even listen a bit to what some of them have to say. Always keeping in mind that cynicism is frequently the last refuge of idealism.  — Phil Friedman

Author's Notes:  This is the second in a series of literary and philosophical self-indulgences, which I have dubbed The Road Chronicles, because they use the concept of a highway as a central organizing metaphor. If you'd like to read the others, they are:

"LinkedIn Is a Highway, Not a Destination"

"Reaching Beyond Me"

"Do Not Mistake What Is For What Should Be"

If you'd  like to read more of what I write on a regular basis, either connect with me, Phil Friedman, on LinkedIn, or click the [FOLLOW] button at the top of this page. As a writer-friend of mine says, you can always change your mind later.

Please feel free to "like" and "share" this post and my other LinkedIn articles — whether on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, or Google+. I ask only that you credit me properly as the author. A couple of my posts on other topics are:

"Three Points of Advice to My Teenage Daughter"

"Conversation Isn't Just Waiting Politely to Speak"

About me, Phil Friedman:  With 30 some years background in the marine industry, I've worn numerous hats — as a yacht designer, boatbuilder, marine operations and business manager, marine industry consultant, marine marketing and communications specialist, yachting magazine writer and editor, yacht surveyor, and marine industry educator. I am also trained and experienced in interest-based negotiation and mediation. In a previous life, I taught logic and philosophy at university.

-- Fair winds and safe harbors

Text Copyright © 2015 by Phil Friedman — All Rights Reserved
Images Credits:  the Author and FreeDigitalPhotos.net