Cynical people: what is hidden behind this profile

Cynical people often pride themselves on their keen skepticism. They are experts in the art of distrust, in addressing others with that subtle combination of irony and contempt, as if this were a trait of high genius. However, Make no mistake, cynicism has little that is healthy and much that is disrespectful.

In some way, we could equate the cynic with the sarcastic person. Both traits define that behavior in which mockery, displeasure and sharp criticism that uses sophisticated linguistic skills to invalidate the other are impregnated. There are those who even see a certain charm in this type of attitude, because on average they tend to be very creative when it comes to using irony.

However, it is correct to know that Both behaviors are applying aggressive communication. In this way, if there is something that personality psychology has been showing us in recent years, it is that behind certain types of dimensions, such as sarcasm or chronic cynicism, aspects such as bitterness, defiant negativism can be hidden. , low motivation, dissatisfaction, hatred or even a mental disorder.

Let’s get more information below.

What hides behind cynical people

The terms cynical and cynicism derive from the Greek root kyon, that means ‘dog’. This word has its origin in a group of philosophers from the 4th century BC. C who called themselves the Cynics and whose leader was the Athenian Antisthenes (445-365 BC). This school of thought extolled a humble lifestyle linked to nature. They rejected conventions such as money, politics, social norms, etc.

Later, this philosophical approach was embodied in the person of Diogeneswhich Plato called the mad Socrates. Among his aspirations was to lead a life like that of dogs: simple, humble, outside of all customs, linked only to instinct and nature itself.

Cynicism, as striking as it may seem to us, spread throughout all the cities of the Roman Empire. At one point, it even rivaled Stoicism, that philosophical system that defended self-control, strength, and clarity of thought.

However, the most modern vision of this term did not arrive until the 18th centuryat which time it was defined as an attitude aimed at questioning every norm and every ethical and social value.

In addition, one more component was added: the offensive one. Cynicism has since defined a person who uses contempt to violate, criticize or belittle behavior or claims. from other persons. Let’s see below what more aspects are hidden behind this personality.

Cynical people are disappointed idealists

We could safely say that we all have a little cynic inside us. Cynicism, in reality, falls within a spectrum: there are those who show certain aspects of this attitude and others, on the other hand, present a chronic and highly negative cynicism.

This trait is what we can sometimes apply when we feel disappointed with something or someone and we make a critical comment about the topic. We do it, for example, when talking about politics or politicians in those terms in which it is evident that we increasingly distrust this social class.

Likewise, it is worth noting that Cynicism can be healthy and it can be toxic-contemptuous. The latter can be seen in those people who are always on the defensive, who make extreme use and abuse of criticism and who, furthermore, are very easily disappointed because they defend a utopian idealism.

The cynic and self-centered distrust

The cynical person is someone who makes distrust their main standard. He is someone who is touchy, incredulous, fussy and contemptuous. Now, all of these behaviors are also clear defense mechanisms, parapets to separate others from themselves and from that almost unhealthy egocentrism that usually defines them.

Furthermore, they are so focused on their own worlds that they don’t care about other people’s criticism. This often causes cynicism to go hand in hand with asocial behavior.

They are not afraid to offend with their comments

Greek historians say that when Alexander the Great met Diogenes, he asked him if he could do something to help him. Seeing his rags and his poverty, the king of Macedonia took pity on him. Given that comment, Diogenes simply told him to get out of the way because he was stealing the sunlight.

Cynical people are not afraid to offend with their comments. It’s more, They are often skilled experts when it comes to humiliating and criticizing through the wit of words.

They say what they think

Sometimes they don’t do it for a practical purpose, but where doing so has no clear negative consequences, cynical people can be very transparent. This means that if they don’t say something that would be relevant in a conversation, it is easier not to be out of fear of what they will say or out of embarrassment.

Chronic cynicism and use of fallacies

In addition to their total lack of concern for the effect of their words on others, cynical people also do not hesitate to use fallacies in their argument in order to win. In addition to this, when using this type of trap very frequently they are easily discovered by their interlocutors, but they usually do not care.

Chronic cynicism and ease of lying

The cynic is a person who does not conform to a morality where honesty has value for them. That is why it costs them nothing to lie or conform to a fictitious profile where they show concern for others, even if they do not feel it at all.

For them, lying is just another tool. Therefore, these people do not hesitate to lie (with very well-developed plans, of course) to achieve their goals or to manipulate the people around them.

How to deal with cynical people

Some general tips are:

Avoid discussions and open debates: In these cases is when a cynical person becomes more defensive, since everything that does not coincide with their own vision will be seen by them as a direct attack on their own person.Promote optimism, avoiding pessimism: Cynics tend to be pessimistic people, leading them to have a constantly agitated and negative mood. It is important not to let yourself be dragged into that negativity.Try to understand the reason for this cynicism: Cynicism is not usually something that appears out of nowhere, it is usually linked to bad experiences or past traumas. These are what generate this deep distrust and disenchantment towards society.

Chronic cynicism and dementia

This information is as curious as it is important. In a study carried out at Stockholm University by Dr. Elisa Nuevoven it was shown that People with hostile and cynical behavior experience more adverse aging. They have greater health problems and a greater risk of suffering from dementia.

In turn, Dr. Hilary Tindle, professor of Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh in the United States, points out another relevant aspect. In her clinical practice she has been able to verify that hostility and cynicism are related to greater health problems. It’s more, These types of profiles were those who had the worst lifestyles and who, in turn, were more reluctant to challenge and fail to comply with medical advice.

Now, something that Dr. Tindle also explains is that Cynical people always have the opportunity to change. That defensive, negative and distrustful attitude can be treated.

No matter the age of the patient, with adequate help, social support and effective techniques it is possible to promote change. And all of this undoubtedly affects the person’s health. Life is too short to wear the unpleasant mask of cynicism. Let’s keep it in mind.

You might be interested…