A few years ago, I decided  I wanted to make a career change that would require more education and a job sectors change. I had been successful in my career, and while nothing was particularly wrong, the position and environment no longer fit me. I was excited to grow into something different.

As many do during times of change or uncertainty—when life doesn’t make sense and we aren’t sure what to do—I sought the wisdom of others. They could help me make the most logical decision. I began telling trusted people about my plans and they cautioned me to reconsider, saying, “rediscover your passion” or “just take a step back for a while.”

I soon realized that they thought I was making a mistake because they believed my opportunities would be limited or too much effort would be required to progress to a comparable position. Some even insinuated that my choice to leave was selfish. I needed compassion and support, but what I received was cynicism. 

What is Cynicism?

Cynicism reflects a negative appraisal of human nature, a belief that self-interest is the ultimate motive behind human actions, even the seemingly good ones, and that people will go to any lengths to satisfy it (2019, Stavrova). Cynicism can also relate to and be directed toward a person’s workplace and is listed as a factor of burnout by the World Health Organization. Another great explanation comes from the comedian, writer, and late-night TV host Stephen Colbert, who said:

“Cynicism masquerades as wisdom, but it is the furthest thing from it. Because cynics don't learn anything. Because cynicism is a self-imposed blindness: a rejection of the world because we are afraid it will hurt us or disappoint us. Cynics always say 'no.' But saying 'yes' begins things. Saying 'yes' is how things grow.”

Cynical Genius Misconception

Cynicism has a way of spreading beyond the person holding cynical beliefs or attitudes because the person is often assumed to be more intelligent than the average person. We hear their cynical thought about the motivation of a person or institution and believe it is insightful, as if this thought is giving us a glimpse at some unknown truth. This concept is called the cynical genius belief.

If we adopt the same cynical belief as the cynical genius, then we are likely to become more cynical and put up walls to protect ourselves. However, multiple studies have shown that while most people tend to believe that cynical geniuses would perform better on cognitive tasks and ability tests than those who are less cynical, the opposite is true. 

One study analyzed the data of ~200,000 participants from 30 countries and concluded that cynical people were more likely to perform poorly on cognitive tasks. Cynics also tend to be less educated than people who were less cynical.

Challenging Cynicism

Here are some ways to guard yourself against cynicism in the workplace:

• Evaluate the voices surrounding you. Which of your coworkers, friends, or family members are often cynical, negative, or refuse to hear others’ views? Reconsider any advice or insight they give and surround yourself with more positive voices.
• Question why you have a negative opinion. This tool of self-discovery shows you which values are most important, uncovering those that feel most threatened. How can you continue to live or work in an environment that does not hold the same values?
• Seek to understand the viewpoints of others. This shows you that the issue is more nuanced than right or wrong, good or evil. This deeper understanding will help calm any emotional reaction you may feel if you believe your value is under attack.
• Be part of the change. The earlier suggestions help you release cynicism and anger, but certain values will stand out as too important to dismiss. Get involved with a local group that addresses the issue. Advocate for your values. 

Moving Forward

The Bulgarian writer Maria Popova once remarked, "Critical thinking without hope is cynicism, but hope without critical thinking is naïveté". I would not recommend that you naïvely believe that everything will always turn out alright. It is important to use our critical thinking skills and, yes, sometimes doubt another individual’s motivations. However, having no hope that someone’s motivation may be nuanced, or that good may still come from it, can cause us to shut them out and turn us into cynics.

As Colbert said, “Cynics always say 'no.' But saying 'yes' begins things. Saying 'yes' is how things grow.”

Hope is what helps us say “yes” and see the good in our own actions and the actions of others despite historical or systemic issues. Hope causes us to get off the couch and act so we can be part of creating a better tomorrow.

Stavrova O, Ehlebracht D. The cynical genius illusion: Exploring and debunking lay beliefs about cynicism and competence. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin. 2018;45(2):254-269. doi:10.1177/0146167218783195 

Cover image by Alex Shute.