OPINION
The 20th century brought about a wave of cynicism which has not diminished, but instead has flourished in the American landscape of ideas.
By the time Watergate broke, America experienced a list of nauseating governmental abuses of power.
Maybe Wall Street could offer much-needed respite?
Leadership in privatized organizations failed us as well with Enron, Exon-Valez and Bernie Maddoff, just to name a few.
One might ask, was it even possible to come out of the 1990s with a positive view of the future?
The early 2000s confronted Americans with the reality that life, indeed, is not perfect, nor are human institutions.
Cynicism, an attitude of negativity and general distrust, quickly appears as though the most appropriate and pragmatic worldview to adopt.
Afterall, we are bombarded with worse and worse news daily, betrayal of leaders, failing markets and selfishness seem to run the world.
Cynicism can appear smart, until it turns you bitter.
Pride quickly sets in and erodes trust in everyone and everything.
Is there any answer not rooted in utilitarian and circumstantial evidence?
A shift in perspective can oftentimes help you to reconsider how you are observing the world.
History has revealed that, while we have more visibility to the darker side of humanity, the world is a much safer place than it has ever been before.
Modern medicine, renewable energy, technological advancements, declines in violence and clean water have all been a net positive for humanity.
These things are easily taken for granted, yet they set us apart from all humans who have ever lived before us.
Most Americans live better lives than most royalty throughout human history.
While this does not alleviate the pains of this world, it can offer perspective to reframe our current circumstances.
But perspective cannot single-handedly fix a cynic’s worldview. We must dig deeper, further, and wider. A next step would be an attitude of gratitude for the beauty and wonder we have the privilege to experience.
A spirit of thanks will be a constant reminder of the amazing things occurring around us daily.
From a beautiful sunrise to a warm cup of coffee with a friend, from a child’s grin to the satisfaction of a finishing a day’s work, we are blessed to have access to these intangible gifts.
Engaging in thanksgiving, especially within a community of likeminded friends and family, can help to refocus your outlook.
Finally comes hope, the true antidote to a cynicism.
Hope is not naivety masquerading as self-help.
It is rebellious confidence that things will turn out well.
Hope is not situational or flippant.
It does not come and go, nor does hope’s promise reside in the moment-by-moment of the day.
Instead, hope looks over the trajectory of life and anticipates the beauty, wonder and awe of life.
Hope is also an inspiring mindset that lifts others up and has a cascading effect upon those around you.
The Apostle Paul urged his friends, “encourage one another and build each other up.” (1 Thess. 5:11) When you begin to feel the heaviness of the world, consider your perspective.
You need not fall into cynicism, although it is understandably easy to do.
Find a new perspective, look at the beauty in the world, connect with others in joyful community, intentionally be thankful, and lean into hope.
The world does not need more cynics, but it could use a few more hopeful rebels.
Steve Stanley is a Providence Village resident with a doctorate in ministerial leadership. He can be reached at stevestanleyacoustic@ gmail.com.
