>Cross-cultural analyses showed that competent individuals held contingent attitudes and endorsed cynicism only if it was warranted in a given sociocultural environment. Less competent individuals embraced cynicism unconditionally, suggesting that—at low levels of competence—holding a cynical worldview might represent an adaptive default strategy to avoid the potential costs of falling prey to others’ cunning.

One might argue that incompetent people are cynical because, without the insulation and support structures that foster education, they are more attuned with the one true cynical reality of the world.

Another might argue that incompetent people are cynical because, without sufficient intellectual capacity, they are susceptible to false ideas concerning the one true non-cynical reality of the world.

The hopelessness and hopefulness of reality can be endlessly debated, but ultimately, it's up to the individual to choose which of these to put their faith in. I agree that that an overall cynical view could be an adaptation to defend against the threat of being taken advantage of. One should weigh this against whether or not such a worldview truly works in your favor. Amazing advances have been made in this world over the past few centuries, and I can't accept the notion that these come about through cynicism rather than hope for the future.

Holding a position that rejects human progress requires one to believe that good is ultimately insignificant. Judging by the increasing suicide rates of young people, this seems to be a modern problem, and so perhaps the solution can be found if we look towards the traditions that have unified humanity in the past.