Quote:
Originally Posted by eskielover
I found this writeup about the history of cynicism to be very educational
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cynicism & it had NOTHING to do in it's original form as being a defense mechanism, it was a philosophy of life which I can completely relate to & find that this philosophy is actually fits my life.
However, the contemporary form of cynicism.......well there is quite a contrast between them but I still think it's quite appropriate to apply to the world in the shape it's in (Cynicism is distrust of other's apparent motives. It is a form of jaded negativity, and other times realistic criticism or skepticism) How can one feel differently about the world we live it???? I don't mistrust everyone I come in contact with. I am very discerning in who & what I apply my cynicism to & it IS NOT a defense mechanism. It's a serious & honest view of the world I see around me that can't be denied as being real.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cynicism_(contemporary)
Think the way we apply it & how we present our thoughts about our cynicism may be what determines how others may see it as being a bad thing.
Just some of my thoughts on the topic. |
I do too believe it has legitimate basis as a world view. But I came across too many well-meaning people who tried to convince me that bubbly puppies and rainbows optimism is the only way.
I strive to be this serene person who is at peace... I believe I can be dark and cynical and still aquire inner peace. That does not mean I will ignore the reality of the world.
Quote:
|
venus it appears that your defense mechanisms are hindering you, imo. what are the specific causes of your hiding behind the wall? distrust seems to be one of the causes but only you know why you feel that way. just me but if you get to the root causes it will be more helpful to overcome your fears. i do believe we all need to protect ourselves and set boundaries with others by asserting ones self. but quite honestly i feel you have taken this to extreme and denying yourself lots of joy in your life.
|
I don't know. Maybe this is helping me to enjoy life with all the joy as it is not infiltred with people I don't need there. And I just don't mean the bad people, but maybe people who are good persons... but wouldn't click with me.
It is not really a fear, imho. I do suffer bit social phobia and yes, I put on a tough mask... but what is the other option? I can be friendly to people when I want or when situation requires it. But for deeper friendships I need people who "get me" and with whom i will not have to pretend too much.
I never was an extrovert, so there is no use trying to make one of myself now... I need my relationships to be meaningful and for them to give me something. So... I test people.
Quote:
|
I too came upon cynicism as a philosophy. I liked it and found a lot of merit in it so I brought it up with my T at the time... DUH! I don't think she understood a bit of it, but left crying hysterically running for her supervisor 2hrs into the session (it was supposed to be a 50 min session). I guess it is a philosophical stance T's find difficult. dunno... I don't see problem with it provided, like most things, you don't go extremest with it.
|
yeah, that is one of the reasons I am avoiding therapy so far. I am afraid that not many Ts would get my "laughing beast" person (although it is a very Czech thing. But I found that many students of psychology became mellower and drier as they approach grasping their diploma).
I don't want to drop my world view altoghter. I am not a pessimist, I am just well informed optimist.
Quote:
Anyone who denies the necessity of cynicism in today's world is obviously either dissociating like mad or a tool of the other side, the flim-flam people if you will, whether consciously or unconsciously. Fifty years ago, "Little Mary Sunshine" was funny. Today it's either a tragedy or a horror movie, take your pick. 
|
I have American prof who claims to be "a bit of Czech too, I love Moravia and I think Czechs are wonderful people and it is a wonderful country with amazing culture...". Only no self-respecting Czech would spew the word wonderful so many times in one statement.
Yeah, I admit sunshine people scare a little bit as it seems... either dishonest or dellusional as hell.
__________________
Glory to heroes!
HATEFREE CULTURE