"If you love someone you will...always believe in him." 1Corinthians 13:7 TLB
Today's meditation deals with the idea of cynicism. According to my electronic Meriam-Webster Dictionary, it means, "beliefs that people are generally selfish and dishonest." To start from that position reflects more on one's opinion of oneself versus the reality of others. In essence if you believe people are basically dishonest then you must believe when put to the test you are selfish and dishonest. This represents one of the distinctions between Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung. These distinguish psycho-analysists were basically on opposite ends of the poles in describing the core of human personality. In effect and I am oversimplifying their positions, Freud had a cyncial view of the human condition, while Jung believed in an idealistic view of the human condition.
For example, in my business dealings, I am idealistic and believe people are basically honest. I have a CFO who is the opposite, he believes people are dishonest. To reconcile his position and mine I adopt the attitude of skeptism. Skeptism sugguest that you test people in business dealings to determine if they are honest or dishonest. I had a vendor submit an invoice to me. The cynic says the invoice is overpriced. The idealist says it is priced right. The skeptic says provide me with the verification that supports the invoice you have given me. Which position is better only you can decide what works for you.
I take the position of an idealist, with the option to be skeptical every now and then.
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