Naive or Cynical - What's best

[Tony.London Suburbs]

Indeed Brendan.

[Brendan]

I once read a passage that said, ?The power of accurate observation is often described as cynicism by those who don?t posses it.?

which I thought was a little cynical.

[iaineasy]

I always trust people and try not to be cynical as what you give in life is what you get, if you look for the worst in people more often than not you get the worst out of them, If your trust turns out to be mis-placed then that's a shame but I would rather take the odd let down than go through life worrying about the worst that could happen. It's just too much stress to live that way. Alot of great opportunities arise from giving people a good vibe, and sometimes even young people who are not trust worthy just need someone to show a little faith in them to turn them around. To feel that people trust you is one of the best feelings you could have, and like wise to make people feel that way is one of the best things you could do for someone so in my opinion it's trust all the way.

[bigbadwolf]

In my line of business I try to be, and you have to be, pragmatic. Apart from that, I find it pays to be cynical over naive. But within reason.

[star13uk]

I would guess it also depends on what you want out of life yourself. I tend to trusting (but not particualarly naive) as a starting point - events dictate how it turns out. I have had "friends" who have done me for a couple of hundred pounds once or twice over the years... I can live with that. They ain't friends no longer and I am happy in myself. Do unto others tends to be my attitude and try not to prejudge anybody. Better to have loved and lost... etc. I have also made wonderful who remain so after thirty years or so. If you cant live the occassional let down you would do well never to trust... but you would also miss out on the good stuff. Each to their own.

[SteveT]

I have never minded being either because when you are naive you know no better,

but as one ages and life pays you out, cynicism rules in conurbations such as London, Paris, or New York.

[giggirl]

I don?t like the words "na?vet?" and "cynicism". For me they have negative connotations.

I try to go through life keeping my heart open but at the same time using judgement and wisdom.

[brum]

Cynicism is negative and is also infectious. Once you have it, its hard to lose it. Not being cynical does not mean you are naive. As giggirl has just demonstrated.

[????]

Hey, this cynicism thing sounds great -I think it will solve everything

[Moos]

Nah, Quids, what you want to be trying is sarcasm, it's peachy.

[brum]

Lovasm. That's all you need.

[Keef]

I don?t like the words "na?vet?" and "cynicism". For me they have negative connotations.

I try to go through life keeping my heart open but at the same time using judgement and wisdom.

I agree with all this, although I probably lack the wisdom mentioned at the end there.

[Alabama]

Naive all the way!

[woofmarkthedog]

TonyLS

I don't feel sorry for you really, not that I don't feel compassion but you are a bookie & as gamblers are self deceivers so deceiving you the bookie is a kind of weird truth of it's own.

As you might guess I veer toward a more cynical approach to life. I reckon I am about 8.5 on the Mohs Hardness Scale of cynicism. I think to compensate I try and be open honest & frank with people I know & meet, this seems to work generally but I also accept I will at times get turned over. Our kindness is taken for weakness but I'm ok with that.

Oh must dash, somebody is knocking on my caravan door to fit my fantastic new chimney pot (I hope.)

W**F

[Fear 'n boozin]

cynicism doesn't have to be negative - Cynics. Though if I'm advocating philosophical schools I'd say Epicurean all the way.