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37 here, and that is exactly how I feel. I'm hardly an optimist about how a lot of things in the world are going, but world-weary cynicism (the world is shit,
by Frondo 11y ago
37 here, and that is exactly how I feel. I'm hardly an optimist about how a lot of things in the world are going, but world-weary cynicism (the world is shit, it'll never change, everyone is corrupt, etc) grates on me as cloying and juvenile. I always end up thinking it says more about the person than the world itself.
These days, I usually find myself starting to argue and push back against that, and occasionally I do end up coming down to "So the world is shit, you're not even going to try to do anything about it, what in life do you have to be proud of about yourself at this point?"
I feel better for not putting up with it, but it has led to some tense arguments with extended family, friends, hairdressers (haha, seriously).
- jacalata 11y ago> what in life do you have to be proud of about yourself at this point?" I like to think that at least by not killing myself I've made a huge contribution to the happiness of my friends and family, even if the world as a whole is a hopeless cluster of growing misery.
- mistermann 11y agoI agree - the older you are, the more chances you've had to peek behind the curtains and see how truly corrupt the machine and people within it really are. Sure, try to make a difference here and there, but I'd advise not going too far out of your way, and never put your personal livelihood on the line. Better to focus that energy on family, friends and community, where you can make a difference.
- Frondo 11y agoNever put your personal livelihood on the line to make the world a better place? That's terrible, cowardly advice.
- mistermann 11y agoIf you're surrounded by cowards / people who will sell out and join the corruption given the chance, it's neither cowardly nor terrible advice. Everyone has to learn this lesson on their own I think.