You imply that being cynical has become "the norm," but there's always more friction involved in being cynical. Happy bullshitters never get in trouble.
I vehemently disagree with every thought presented in this comment.
These sentiments seem to come from a very jaded space. To think that the only people who are not cynical / angry are those that are avoiding the "real problems" (in what/ whose definition?).
In my experience, the happiest people are those who have acknowledged these problems. If they have the opportunity (and power) to act on resolutions they do so and if not, they came to peace with that reality. It certainly is possible to process the same things as you and engage with these so called real problems without turning into a cynic.
Perhaps these "happy bullshitters" are more adept at acknowledging these problems and their ability to act on it.
That's not my point. I am saying that in a business environment, when there's one person in a group that is pissed, disagreeing, or somehow pissing on the happy-go-lucky parade, that person is usually right. Why? Beause pissing on the parade is always more risky and difficult than taking the path of least resistance (which is just shutting up and accepting the status quo.) So, they wouldn't be doing it unless they really had to.
>So, they wouldn't be doing it unless they really had to.
I can think of a handful of reasons why they may do so.
Being a contrarian is not hard. It certainly does not mean that the person being a contrarian is right (or right to do so, especially if the methods is being an insufferable colleague).
It feels like you are being smart and critical but blindly rejecting and doubting everything is no different from blindly accepting or believing everything. Instead of observing each new idea and evaluating it on its merits, you've already determined what your response will be. It's a biased filter on everything you see.
We should aim to be openminded but also willing to reject things that don't make sense (looking at you, NFT bros)
I don't know enough about your world view or anything, but you don't sound like a cynic.
Read more here: https://www.cjr.org/language_corner/skepticism-cynicism.php
Yet, I know I will continue to do these things.
Cynicism is more of a general attitude toward other people -- being distrustful of everyone's motives and assuming they are motivated solely by greed and self-interest. Granted, sometimes people's motives are truly bad. But again, I think the vast majority of cynicism is toxic and poisons our ability to see the good in people. Most people believe that they are doing the right thing. What we really need is to look at the systems and incentives that cause them to behave the way that they do.
I'd going to put my foot forward and work in removing every concept in my life that causes grief or cynicism.
The truth is seeing grief and cynicism for what they are, and stepping away from them.
The 'other way' is a step backwards.