Cynicism

Cynicism (Greek ') was originally the philosophy of a group of ancient Greeks called the Cynics''', founded by Antisthenes.

Currently, the word 'cynicism' generally describes the opinions of men and women who maintain that self-interest is the primary motive of human behavior, and are disinclined to rely upon sincerity, human virtue, or altruism as motivations.

History of cynicism
Cynicism was the ancient Greek philosophy, primarily concerned with virtue, whose followers were known as "The Dog Philosophers." They believed virtue was the only necessity for happiness, and that it was entirely sufficient for attaining happiness. The Cynics followed this philosophy to the extent of neglecting everything not furthering their perfection of virtue and attainment of happiness, thus, the title 'Cynics', derived from the Greek word 'kuon', 'dog' in English, was assigned them because they lived like dogs —neglecting society, personal hygiene, family obligations, pursuing money, et cetera— to lead entirely virtuous, and, thus, happy lives.

They did not escape Socrates's ridicule.

After his enlightenment, Diogenes traveled throughout Greece, almost naked and without provisions; enjoying the sun, the warm weather, the beaches, and so gathered about him thousands of pilgrims who listened to his talks, pregnant with sarcastic remarks about society. Even Alexander the Great, en route to Asian campaigns once went to him. Diogenes advised him to renounce conquest, however, Alexander declined, with "resignation", believing his destiny already written; Alexander the Great died in the year 323 B.C., in Babylon.

When Diogenes died, a 'dog' (symbol of cynicism) was carved to his tombstone.

Modern cynicism
Typically, the modern cynic is greatly skeptical of social norms, especially those of a purpose more ritualistic than practical, and tend to question the validity of much popular belief, morality, and wisdom. Cynics frown upon society's typical patterns of thought, and desire progressive change, though deeming it unlikely. They prefer awareness of social and world matters to a frivolous, care-free attitude to life. Cynics center on the ideals of human nature: inevitable patterns of behaviour and thought, placing oneself first, stereotypes, and intolerance.

Despite the mainstream society's negative portrayal of cynics, some philosophers argue that they are people who “refuse to look through rose-colored glasses”, and do not fear openly criticising society's typical behaviours.

Extreme cynicism in a person may lead cynics to view themselves as de-personalized, self-serving inhabitants of a meaningless, facetious, shallow world.

In modern Greek slang, Starhidismos is the word describing a cynical attitude to life and one's relation to the State and society.

Popularity of cynicism in the modern era
The present era is sometimes described as an Age of Cynicism. Generally, subscribers to this view believe that cynicism is understandable and say that as the Information age continues, the repeated exposés of malfeasance by politicians, corporations and organized religions validates growing cynicism (and the related philosophy of skepticism). Journalistic articles frequently employ a cynical viewpoint, and few mass-market newspapers or magazines advocate an alternative viewpoint such as Stoicism or hedonism.

Some opponents of the cynical viewpoint say that cynicism leads one to focus so strongly on the negative aspect of situations that they become depressives. Opponents say that it will always be possible to find wrong-doing and that the media's focus on wrong-doing gives the impression that mankind as a whole is morally corrupt, but that this is more of an effect of aggregating reports of wrong-doing rather than a true reflection of reality. However, as cynicism is closely related to pessimism, cynics commonly assert that society has a strong apathy towards social ills, and that awareness of current world and societal issues must be spread before a proper solution can be formulated. Some also argue that while they agree that there will always be wrongdoing, this acknowledgement does not justify an apathy towards malfeasance and human nature's effect on the world, and that we must focus on the problem to obtain the best solution. However most cynics argue that what causes the problems in the first place is refusing to see life in a jaded perspective.