How Does Cynicism Work?

The term cynic derives from the word dog, the epithet given to Diogenes the Cynic in the ancient world. Diogenes proposed that living according to one's natural inclinations could neither be shameful nor improper, and cynic shamelessness followed from this notion. Ancient cynicism, while critical of conventions, is very different from its modern usage, however. Over time, the philosophy of Cynicism went through various permutations—from the Stoics to Renaissance and Enlightenment usage to the modern attitude. 

Looking at classical cynicism as viewed by ancient cynics allows for a fuller understanding of its meaning today. In the modern world, cynicism has come to imply skepticism and jaded negativity—a mood as much as an attitude—though the latter significantly departs from its original philosophy. 

Ancient cynicism

The word cynic is thought to stem from the Greek word kynikos, meaning "like a dog." This epithet was given to Diogenes the Cynic, as Diogenes proposed living according to one's natural inclinations. 

In describing the reasons for which Diogenes was equaled to a dog, Aristotle enumerated the following. One was that dogs lived and did as they pleased in public, making a "cult" out of shamelessness; two was that a dog was above shamelessness, as it did not conform to standard rules of propriety; three, like a dog, the cynic was a guard dog, protecting its abiding philosophy; and four, that it can recognize and differentiate between friends and enemies, warmly receiving like-minded spirits (friends) while "barking" at those (enemies) who didn't align with its philosophy. Cicero likened Diogenes to a dog "indifferent to the restrictions created by human customs and conventions."

The lineage of the ancient Cynics includes not only Diogenes of Sinope but also Socrates, of whom Diogenes was a pupil, and Zeno, the founder of Stoicism. According to what has been passed down, the ideal Cynic placed a large value on nature, associating virtue with living according with nature, which was thought to offer guidance in such matters as self-sufficiency, reason, and freedom. According to this view, traditional conventions were thought to hinder freedom, countering nature and reason, and therefore were deemed worthy of criticism and ridicule. 

In order to be able to speak freely and criticize the prevailing conventions of Athenian society in which they lived, Cynics eschewed comforts and embraced a simple life, including poverty and hardship. As a contemporary of Plato and Alexander the Great, the most powerful ruler of the time, Diogenes showed little interest in their values and prestige. Famously, when Alexander the Great asked Diogenes what he could do for him, Diogenes replied, "Get out of my sunlight." This kind of retort illustrates the kind of boldness, political subversion, and acerbic humor for which the Cynics became known. The original Cynics, including the Stoics who followed and further developed its philosophy, "characterize the Cynic way of life as a 'shortcut to virtue'."

Among its views, Cynics such as Diogenes also posed the idea of cosmopolitanism—that is citizen of the world (or cosmos)—or, a "person whose primary allegiance is to the community of human beings in the entire world."

Examples of cynic texts include The Cynic Epistles, a group of letters attributed to ancient Cynics such as Diogenes and Socrates. Assumed to be written pseudonymously, it's considered by some scholars to be literary, reflecting "Cynic tendencies" while offering glimpses into the life and views of the first Cynics. 

Another is Lives of the Eminent Philosophers, which recounts stories featuring Diogenes the Cynic. 

Modern usage of cynicism

Some authors have described cynicism as the prevailing attitude in modern society. In Critique of Cynical Reason by the Minnesota Press, the author Peter Sloterdijk explores how the "shattered ideals" of the late 1960s have contributed to "the cynical impulse" in modern culture. 

Another book by Ansgar Allen, published by MIT Press, offers a history of cynicism, "from the fearless speech of the ancient Greeks to the jaded negativity of the present." The text titled Cynicism charts the philosophy of the first cynics to contemporary usage to mean a jaded skepticism, also showing it from the perspectives of various political ideologies.

Contemporary cynicism in psychology

An article published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin describes cynicism as a "negative appraisal of human nature—a belief that self-interest is the ultimate motive guiding human behavior." The article’s authors point to studies suggesting that cynicism appears to be common among young adults in terms of distrust of institutions as well as of other peers. It also indicates that some cynical individuals might use cynicism as an "adaptive default strategy" to defend themselves against being deceived by others. 

Research has suggested that high levels of cynicism can be detrimental to one's well-being, health, and interpersonal relationships. However, in some cultures and contexts, cynicism may be widespread and rationally justified.

An extensive study of over 8000 people in 41 countries indicates that cynicism may be widespread, as many of the respondents indicated a belief in statements such as "those who are powerful tend to exploit others" and "those who are kind tend to suffer losses". A rise in cynicism was also linked with external events, exposure to “fake news,” scandals involving authority figures such as the police, the banking system, and other institutions, and working for a company that does not deliver on their promises. 

People who have experienced disrespectful treatment may also be more likely to be cynical, as displaying cynicism is thought to elicit disrespectful treatment from others. 

Changing your way of thinking through therapy

If you believe that you could benefit from a more balanced perspective in your thinking, it might be helpful to consider speaking to a licensed therapist about your concerns—whether online or in person.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is known for addressing unhealthy thinking and behavioral patterns, allowing for a more balanced perspective and engagement with the world. In addition to reducing symptoms of mental health conditions such as depression, many CBT practitioners include mindfulness meditation and other techniques to help alleviate stress. Mindfulness meditation has been found to help the brain manage stress, which can be linked with depression. 

Those who experience cynicism may be unsure about therapy or doubt its effectiveness. In those cases, it may be easier to begin the therapeutic journey in online therapy. Online therapy typically has less barrier to entry, making it easier to begin treatment after making the decision to pursue it without long wait lists or having to find a suitable provider nearby. Additionally, online platforms can make it easy to switch therapists until the right match is found.

Online therapy has been shown to be just as effective as in-person therapy. In a review of 17 studies on online CBT versus traditional face-to-face treatment, Forbes found the two to be equally effective. Additionally, patients were equally satisfied between the two options and found online therapy to be more cost effective.