Combating Cynicism: How Hopeful Skepticism Can Help Restore Trust

If you feel certain that your preferred candidate will lose the next election, or that AI is coming for your job, you might have fallen into a cynical mindset. Cynicism, the belief that people are inherently selfish and the world is only getting worse, has spread rapidly in the past 50 years. This growing sense of distrust and hopelessness is affecting how people relate to each other and their institutions, and it’s even taking a toll on their health. Studies show that cynics are more likely to suffer from depression, earn less, and have shorter lifespans.

But how did this rise in cynicism occur? Inequality and media have played significant roles. Economic disparity erodes trust, while the media’s focus on negative events amplifies fear and doubt. However, psychology professor Jamil Zaki offers hope in his book Hope for Cynics: The Surprising Science of Human Goodness. Zaki explains that while cynicism may seem like wisdom, it’s often an uninformed mindset that can be countered with skepticism and facts.

Skepticism differs from cynicism. While cynics assume the worst of people, skeptics are like scientists—they evaluate each situation based on evidence. This form of “hopeful skepticism” is an antidote to cynicism because it allows for flexibility and an open mind, without falling into naïve optimism.

Trust, Zaki argues, isn’t just for the privileged. People from all walks of life, including those facing adversity, often rely on trust to build social connections and support. The act of trusting others can create positive outcomes, as people often respond to trust by showing their best selves.

To combat cynicism, Zaki suggests fact-checking our negative assumptions and taking more social risks. We tend to overestimate how often people will let us down, and underestimate how often they will rise to the occasion. By adjusting this mindset, we can start building trust again, which in turn fosters a more connected and hopeful society. Ultimately, Zaki believes that by questioning our cynical thoughts, we can interrupt the cycle of distrust and bring out the best in both ourselves and others.

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