“He’s so skeptical.” “She’s such a cynic.” 

Ever describe anyone that way? Anyone ever put those labels on you? Generally, these descriptors are not seen as favorable comments. Cynic being the worse.

A skeptic is seen as a person inclined to question all accepted opinions. A cynic is a person whose outlook is scornfully and habitually negative. Webster’s says, “cynicism is being distrustful of human nature or motives.” 

That person is motivated only by self-interest.

Dharmesh Shah has written a fine piece on this subject entitled, “Skeptics vs. Cynics: Know Which Are Toxic?” He says that skeptics are better than cynics and have their rightful place in moving an idea forward. 

Skeptics like data. They like to analyze and assess. They are not naïve — they want solid evidence before moving forward. Though they may be inclined to be pessimists they generally respond positively to the facts when deserved. They can be helpful at times by asking you some hard questions that can make for a better result.

“Inside every cynical person is a disappointed idealist” (George Carlin)

Cynics, says Shah, are toxic. These people are pessimists seeing the worst side of everything. They like to focus on what is not right rather than seeing the positive possibilities. They are consistently negative and suspicious, often sarcastic. They have a sense of helplessness, nothing in life really matters. Depression is usually an underlying factor.

Cynicism can be damaging to your life! Over time cynics are three times more likely to get dementia, have higher rates of mortality, heart disease, and cancer related deaths. A study by the American Psychological Association found that cynics also tend to make less money. Other studies have found how cynicism ruins attempts to form and maintain a romantic relationship.

As you look around your people environment, Respected Reader, what kind of people exist in it? Skeptics, cynics? Either descriptor fit YOU?

Dr. Stathas can be reached at 706-473-1780. Email: jstathas13@gmail.com. Website: drstathas.googlepages.com. Blog: drstathas.com. Book: “A Successful Life – Guaranteed!” at Amazon