Since it would appear that there are a number of ignorant Happy People* out there who are developing misinformed and foolish notions and spreading them, I guess it comes time to do a little work on defining semantics and clarifying things.
cynic: noun
a faultfinding captious critic; especially : one who believes that human conduct is motivated wholly by self-interest
cynical: adjective
having or showing the attitude or temper of a cynic; especially: contemptuously distrustful of human nature and motives
Now that I've got the definition of those words cleared up...
I've heard the accusation that cynicism is counterproductive and destructive. From a Christian perspective I see no other alternative. Humanity is fallen, period, end of story. Anyone want to argue on that one?
So if we can pretty much assume that people are depraved and sinful, why should we trust their motives or believe that they act from altruism?
Now that we've got that out of the way, we have to address the issue of Happy People*. Simply put, Happy People* are those who have decided that their perspective has no correlation with circumstances. In short, their method of coping with life is, "so what if life sucks? It's not bothering me... let's all be happy." Happiness is not an outlook, lest you be fooled, it is an emotion. Some of you might be referencing joy, but that's a completely different thing, especially from a Christian mindset. Long story short, if you can be happy while people are suffering and being treated horribly, you've got some issues. Either that, or you chose to ignore the plight of yourself and those around you in an attempt to remain happy*, and then you are among the most despicable of individuals because you care for nothing but your own delusions. You are the reason for my cynicism.
*note: Happy People and Happy are to be pronounced with every bit of disdain possible.
Posted by Vengeful Cynic at May 30, 2003 12:40 PM