Cynicism is on the rise, and given today’s divisive global conflicts and tumultuous political landscape, it’s hardly surprising. Even the weather seems to conspire against us. Social scientist Jamil Zaki highlights this growing mistrust in his new book, “Hope for Cynics: The Surprising Science of Human Goodness.” As a professor of psychology at Stanford University and director of the Stanford Social Neuroscience Lab, Zaki points out that Americans are experiencing a “trust recession.” According to the General Social Survey, the belief that most people can be trusted has plummeted from nearly half in 1973 to about one-third in 2018. However, research suggests that this mistrust is misplaced; people are often better than we expect.

Zaki advocates for replacing cynicism with what he calls “hopeful skepticism,” a mindset that encourages clarity and action toward a better future by leveraging “the surprising wisdom of hope.” Cynicism breeds apathy and inaction, but individuals can combat it by questioning their assumptions, maintaining faith in others, sharing stories of goodness, and embracing hope to drive civic engagement and social progress.

Understanding Cynicism in Troubling Times

In a world rife with violence, strife, and cruelty, how can we avoid cynicism? Zaki acknowledges that it’s a natural response to injustice. As Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “There are some things in our world to which we should never be adjusted.” Yet, while cynicism is understandable, it is ultimately unhelpful. Research shows that cynicism harms both individuals and society. Cynics often experience worse physical and mental health, suffering from depression, isolation, and heart disease. They miss out on meaningful relationships and opportunities, and their mistrust can destabilize communities, leading to increased crime and polarization.

Moreover, cynicism erodes democracy, as autocrats and propagandists exploit distrust to maintain control. In an age where misinformation runs rampant, cynicism fuels a decline in shared truths and fosters susceptibility to false narratives.

Debunking Myths About Cynicism

Zaki identifies several myths surrounding cynicism. Many view it as a mark of intelligence or social savvy, believing that cynics are better at spotting deception. In reality, studies show that cynics often perform worse than non-cynics on cognitive tasks. Another misconception is that cynicism is a safe emotional response. Those who adopt “pre-disappointment cynicism” to avoid betrayal isolate themselves from connection and collaboration, ultimately harming their mental and physical health.

Cynicism is not a moral stance either; it can diminish civic engagement. Cynics are less likely to participate in voting or social movements, while hope can coexist with righteous anger about injustice, motivating action and recognizing possibilities.

Finding Wisdom Beyond Cynicism

Zaki emphasizes the importance of “hopeful skepticism,” which combines scientific inquiry with a willingness to embrace uncertainty. Unlike cynics, who focus on evidence of harm, skeptics ask questions and remain open to revising their beliefs. This mindset fosters humility and courage, allowing individuals to confront their biases and assumptions.

To nurture skepticism and counter cynicism, Zaki suggests several practices:

1. Unlearn Cynicism: Recognize our biases toward negativity and actively challenge them. When feeling suspicious, seek evidence to support or refute those feelings.
2. Spread Positive Gossip: Shift the focus from negative to positive stories about others. Sharing acts of kindness can help cultivate a more optimistic outlook.
3. Practice Vulnerability: Take chances on others by expressing trust and sharing personal experiences. This can strengthen relationships and foster a sense of community.

The Power of Hope and Human Goodness

Zaki argues that hope is essential in combating cynicism. Unlike optimism, which assumes a positive outcome, hope acknowledges uncertainty and emphasizes the importance of action. Hopeful individuals envision a better future and actively work toward it.

Research consistently shows that people are more trustworthy, friendly, and generous than we often assume. To combat cynicism, we must engage with one another, fostering connections that reveal the inherent goodness in humanity. As we draw closer to one another, we uncover the beauty that defines us.