Cynicism(Related Subjects: Optimism)

Idealism is what precedes experience; cynicism is what follows. David T. Wolf (1943 - ) The power of accurate observation is commonly called cynicism by those who have not got it. George Bernard Shaw (1856 - 1950) A cynic is a man who, when he smells flowers, looks around for a coffin. H. L. Mencken (1880 - 1956) My pessimism extends to the point of even suspecting the sincerity of the pessimists. Jean Rostand (1894 - 1977), Journal of a Character, 1931 Cynicism is an unpleasant way of saying the truth. Lillian Hellman (1905 - 1984), The Little Foxes, 1939 No matter how cynical you get, it is impossible to keep up. Lily Tomlin (1939 - ) What is a cynic? A man who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing. Oscar Wilde (1854 - 1900), Lady Windermere's Fan, 1892, Act III Cynicism is not realistic and tough. It's unrealistic and kind of cowardly because it means you don't have to try. Peggy Noonan (1950 - ), in Good Housekeeping Cynics regarded everybody as equally corrupt... Idealists regarded everybody as equally corrupt, except themselves. Robert Anton Wilson A cynic is not merely one who reads bitter lessons from the past, he is one who is prematurely disappointed in the future. Sidney J. Harris Never be a cynic, even a gentle one. Never help out a sneer, even at the devil. Vachel Lindsay (1879 - 1931)