cynicism – Henriette Nolte

I don’t really have new years resolutions. My goals are always more or less the same: Focus on consistency in reading, writing, exercise and don’t fall into destructive patterns. But for 2024 I want to also add this to the list: Guard against cynicism against all cost.

2023 was a rough year not only for South Africa but globally. Consistent and lengthy loadshedding was but one of the discouraging features of incompetent South African governance. I won’t list all my frustrations here. I think it will have the opposite effect of what I’m trying to achieve with this post. I want this article to leave the reader with a sense of possibility.

Some things get better. Other things get worse. But to hold on to an idea that everything is getting worse is just not accurate. Also, to be absolutely certain that things can’t get better is not only foolhardy but also destructive. Why? You might ask. After all, if we are cynical about things, we can’t really be disappointed. We can’t get criticised for being too idealistic. We can’t be accused of wishful thinking, and we don’t have to disagree with the hordes of naysayers who so aggressively want to convince us that they are right. It means we can stay safe.

But I’ve thought a lot about this. A few years actually. And I’ve come to the conclusion that cynicism is not only bad for your emotional health but actually destructive to many aspects of your life. Here are a few reasons why.

Tag: cynicism

First post of 2024: Guard against cynicism at all cost

A Case Against Cynicism