Kindness
» Gallimaufry
Cynical
Often I’ve objected to this cheap, easy word.
What does it mean?
Betrayed idealism? Pity the poor naοve child who grows up to discover the world doesn’t match the conceptions of childhood?
I never welcomed the label. What others call cynicism I’ve never seen as more than an acceptance of things as they are.
Funnily enough to be a man often labeled as cynical often it has been on my mind: how many kind and charitable people I know.
For far too long my existence and ease has been dependant on my best friend. But with negligent selfishness we accept that from those who care about us.
But I’ve been considering the people I know whose lives are focused on helping others: often to the impoverishment of their own lives.
And men and women who are kind, charitable, giving by nature.
Having that superabundance of goodwill was one of the characteristics of Nietzsche’s superman.
Perhaps what people call cynicism is just an expression of weakness: fear of other people?
I’m happy - and lucky perhaps - to know so many kind people.
Comments
I so agree with you! I feel sorry for the cynical among us, and I think having a cynical attitude is very corrosive. People who expect others to behave badly often find that corroborated, but those who expect people to be kind and generous, or at least assume that they aren’t out to get you, also find their expectations confirmed.
I’m an independent type, and find it difficult to ask for help generally, but when I was seriously ill last year I needed to call on my friends, both close and more casual, and I couldn’t have asked for a better response. Many people like to be needed, and needing help is not a weakness.
Posted by: harpy | June 22, 2006 6:52 PM
I think generosity often calls to generosity. So kind and helpful people often wind up knowing each other.
My ex, Charles, was an odd case. He flashed back and forth between being kind and spiteful and paranoid. Luckily he always looked so defenseless and helpless most people forgave him. Ive never known anyone more dependent on the kindness of others.
Posted by: Richard Evans Lee | July 13, 2006 8:17 AM