> It's interesting how many different ways there are NOT to be earnest: to be cleverly cynical, to be superficially brilliant, to be conspicuously virtuous, to

> It's interesting how many different ways there are NOT to be earnest: to be cleverly cynical, to be superficially brilliant, to be conspicuously virtuous, to be cool, to be sophisticated, to be orthodox, to be a snob, to bully, to pander, to be on the make. The majority of negative comments here fall squarely under the description of clever cynic. I'd wager most commenters are proud of their skepticism. Speaking truth to power makes the world a better place. But, what's the opportunity cost to being cynical? Being cynical takes energy. And, doing so in an intellectually sound manner takes even more energy.