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They're close, but it's not those who are incompetent who tend toward cynicism as a defense against being taken advantage of. It's those who feel powerless, and
by IAmGraydon 3y ago
They're close, but it's not those who are incompetent who tend toward cynicism as a defense against being taken advantage of. It's those who feel powerless, and have a high level of vigilance against further perceived losses of agency. This is fueled by the same psychological mechanisms as loss aversion, but what is perceived to be at risk of loss is not finances or resources, but rather the ability to express one's own will (the most precious resource of all).
This very principal is behind the rise of conspiracy theories in times of upheaval and uncertainty throughout history, including during the pandemic.
- botro 3y agoCan you recommend any books that would help a person suffering from cynicism as described in the first paragraph of your comment?
- IAmGraydon 3y agoI can’t recommend any books on it unless you want to get into Friedrich Nietzsche as I think it has much to do with his theory of “will to power”, but if you are having a problem with cynicism, know that there’s nothing wrong with you. Your brain is just doing what it’s supposed to do and what we evolved to do. It’s just that those tendencies can be counterproductive in today’s world. Powerlessness is created by fear and very often, self-inflicted. Find out what you really want and what fears are stopping you. Work at that, and talk to a professional about it. Working through this kind of thing with a book can be tough.