It is commonly assumed that the attitude of cynicism is something that is caught, like a cold or flu, at a certain point in life. Some contract it earlier than others, but the majority of cases seem to develop in what is known as mid-life.
Secondary symptoms often accompany the heart-hardening attitude called cynicism. Men who become cynical tend to resignation while women are more prone to develop a strident right-hand diamond approach to living. These secondary symptoms are compensatory strategies which help the cynic, male or female, deal with the shame of giving up on life.
An honest analysis of cynicism reveals that it is not a contagious attitude, neither is it something that happens to you by virtue of an externally imposed force. The attitude of cynicism is simply the evidence of the absence of radiance, a final concession to mediocrity.
Gregory Hake 
Cynicism and radiance are mutually exclusive. So if you find yourself traveling down the path of cynicism, the prescription is to start vein radiant. Sometimes it may seem difficult to be radiant with the terrible state the world is in, but remember that radiance has a very noticible effect for the better, while cynicism only adds to and reinforces the problems. I want my life to be a very large net effect for the better in the world, so I look to be radiant wherever possible.
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Thank you for your stating the key to not defaulting to cynicism. Radiant life expression brings fulfillment to our worlds. Such simplicity is really appreciated.
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Thanks for your blog. I can see how cynicism can be a dark cloud that can layer over ones perceptive on life – thwarting the light that would shine though on what is the good in any given situation.
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I’ve found cynicism can creep in when I’ve been disappointed in a person or an event. You’re right, it is an attitude of giving up, a feeling of inadequacy to bear the feeling or change it. Opinionated vehemence or being neutered by it certainly won’t offer any balance so in effect there is a surrendering to it. I like your word radiance, it describes looking outward. Dissapointment is usually directed inward becoming overwhelmed or subjected. Radiance or cynicism become habitual. Our lives are created by our choices. Thanks for your post.
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excellent points!
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