Anger always has an exhaust pipe. For some it’s a temper. For some the anger turns inward and comes out as depression. For some, though, anger escapes through cynicism.

Cynics constantly want to manage people, put them in their boxes. Cynics have a high view of their understanding and a low view of another’s point-of-view. If they can’t find a flaw in an argument, they can find one in motives or in tone.

They are focused on their will, their version of events, their commentary. They pride themselves in seeing around people, or seeing through them. But they never actually see them. And it’s anger, resulting from the obstruction of their will. Their will is for people to see things the way they see: always questioning, never trusting.

Above all, cynics don’t pray for people.

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Cynicism is a great temptation, especially if people have hurt us or let us down. Because a few didn’t act in good faith, that means everyone doesn’t. Because some had impure motives, everyone must as well. So the conditions of our acceptance of people is based upon their agreement with us. We erect a high wall of ideology. In cynicism, we are the free thinkers high in the clouds, while everyone else is a lemming, marching mindlessly with the crowd.

Cynicism is a trap, keeping us from love, because love hopes all things, believes all things. Cynics can’t really love, because they’re arrogant. They can love those who are like them, but as Jesus said in his most famous sermon, “if you love those who love you, what good is that?”

So how do we fight cynicism? That’s my next post…