Transform Your Cynicism: Discover the Power of Hopeful Skepticism!

Rachel Feltman: Hi there! I’m Rachel Feltman with Scientific American, and today we’re diving into an interesting topic: cynicism and hope.

We all want to be smart and not be taken advantage of, but could we be too cynical? My guest is Jamil Zaki, a psychology professor at Stanford and the author of Hope for Cynics: The Surprising Science of Human Goodness. He’ll share insights on cynicism and how hope can help us lead better lives.

Thanks for being here, Jamil!

Jamil Zaki: Happy to be here!

Feltman: What made you want to write this book?

Zaki: I’ve spent years studying empathy and kindness, but like many, I found myself struggling to trust others—especially during the pandemic. I thought, “If I’m feeling this way, many others must be too.” This pushed me to explore cynicism and its impact on our lives.

Feltman: Can you give us a bit of your background?

Zaki: Absolutely! I’m a behavioral scientist at Stanford, running the Social Neuroscience Lab. We examine how people connect and how we can improve those connections.

Feltman: You refer to cynicism as a “disease of social health.” Can you explain what that means?

Zaki: Sure! Cynicism is the belief that people are generally selfish and dishonest, and it’s been rising over the past decades. I see it as harmful because it creates barriers to genuine connections. Cynics often hesitate to trust others, which can lead to loneliness and poorer health.

Feltman: You mentioned that belief in others has decreased. What do you think caused this?

Zaki: Trust levels have dropped significantly. In the early ’70s, about half of Americans felt most people could be trusted, but that number dwindled to one-third by 2018. This decline seems linked to how media emphasizes negativity. Instead of informing, it often aims to keep us engaged, which unfortunately feeds our feelings of cynicism.

Feltman: Interesting. Many people think being cynical makes them smarter. What does the research say?

Zaki: There’s a common belief that cynics are more astute. However, studies show that they actually perform worse on cognitive tests and aren’t as skilled at detecting lies. When you close yourself off, you can miss vital information. Cynicism can lead to poor judgments about others.

Feltman: So, can you differentiate between cynicism and “hopeful skepticism”?

Zaki: Yes! While cynics view the world from a closed-off perspective, hopeful skeptics are open to new information. They acknowledge failures but also recognize potential. This mindset allows them to adapt and learn from experiences without falling into despair.

Feltman: Some people argue being optimistic is naive, especially when they want to advocate for change. What advice do you have for those struggling to maintain hope?

Zaki: It’s vital to understand that being hopeful doesn’t mean ignoring problems. Hopeful skepticism encourages us to recognize issues while believing change is possible. Cynicism, on the other hand, can lead to inaction and apathy, which does nothing to improve society.

Feltman: If someone realizes they’re being too cynical, what steps can they take to shift their mindset?

Zaki: First, it’s important to question your cynical thoughts. Ask yourself: “Is there evidence for this belief?” Next, give people a chance to show their true selves. Building trust can lead to stronger connections. Lastly, try focusing on positive experiences and share these with others; it can shift your perspective over time.

Feltman: That’s great advice! As a researcher, what are you focusing on next?

Zaki: Currently, my team and I are working on reducing loneliness among young adults, who are experiencing a significant connection crisis. They often don’t realize how much they want to connect with others. By sharing data and encouraging interactions, we hope to help them realize the social opportunities around them.

Feltman: That sounds impactful. Thank you for sharing your insights today!

Zaki: Thank you for having me!

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