Skepticism is the practice of questioning everything. Whereas cynicism is the belief that people are generally motivated by self-interest. Skepticism is not automatically distrustful of others, while cynicism is.
Skepticism does not preclude the possibility of happiness or success, while cynicism sees those things as an impossibility because it assumes that most people are out to get themselves ahead, and so it is very difficult for cynics to trust anyone. This view of the world ultimately creates a negative and pessimistic outlook, which can be very damaging to our happiness and success.
Skepticism without cynicism is a practice of questioning everything while remaining open-minded and not automatically distrustful of others. It allows for an unbiased view of the world and a more positive outlook on life.
Be skeptical, my friends…
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