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>Cross-cultural analyses showed that competent individuals held contingent attitudes and endorsed cynicism only if it was warranted in a given sociocultural env
by 1MachineElf 3y ago
>Cross-cultural analyses showed that competent individuals held contingent attitudes and endorsed cynicism only if it was warranted in a given sociocultural environment. Less competent individuals embraced cynicism unconditionally, suggesting that—at low levels of competence—holding a cynical worldview might represent an adaptive default strategy to avoid the potential costs of falling prey to others’ cunning.
One might argue that incompetent people are cynical because, without the insulation and support structures that foster education, they are more attuned with the one true cynical reality of the world.
Another might argue that incompetent people are cynical because, without sufficient intellectual capacity, they are susceptible to false ideas concerning the one true non-cynical reality of the world.
The hopelessness and hopefulness of reality can be endlessly debated, but ultimately, it's up to the individual to choose which of these to put their faith in. I agree that that an overall cynical view could be an adaptation to defend against the threat of being taken advantage of. One should weigh this against whether or not such a worldview truly works in your favor. Amazing advances have been made in this world over the past few centuries, and I can't accept the notion that these come about through cynicism rather than hope for the future.
Holding a position that rejects human progress requires one to believe that good is ultimately insignificant. Judging by the increasing suicide rates of young people, this seems to be a modern problem, and so perhaps the solution can be found if we look towards the traditions that have unified humanity in the past.
- nothing2say 3y ago[flagged]
- Nevermark 3y agoJust because your paranoid, doesn’t mean you are paranoid enough. In fact, given every credible story science suggests, regarding how the universe ends, involves us or our successors ending disappearing into some thermodynamic hell in extremely unpleasant ways, … oh look, ice cream!
- crabmusket 3y ago> incompetent people ... without the insulation and support structures that foster education I haven't read the study yet, but - does it make the link between education and competence, or is that a cultural assumption? I won't deny that education increases competence in specific ways. But I also think there is plenty of disparaged competence even in the uneducated.
- StackOverlord 3y agoAcademia selects for conformism first closely followed by cognitive abilities ([paste link to paper here]). But who cares ? I certainly don't I'm more interested in the groundbreaking implications of this thesis: "Contribution to the characterization of three texture descriptors: crispness, crunchiness, and brittleness through acoustic and sensory approaches." https://www.theses.fr/1992DIJOS040 https://www.theses.fr/1992DIJOS040
- dasil003 3y agoWell stated. Cynicism can prevent you from being scammed, but it won’t help you succeed in any active endeavor. At its root, I think cynicism comes from being repeatedly disappointed by how things turn out and creating a defense mechanism. But it’s also possible to take it all in, register disappointment, but instead of becoming cynical, one can recognize the chaotic and impersonal nature of the universe and contemplate what levers are available to influence future outcomes more favorably. Easier said than done for sure, but no one ever said life was easy!