Jerry Summers
A colleague recently diagnosed the author as being “cynical and sarcastic”. While it is undeniable that the latter term is correctly applied (my mentor was Arvin Reingold) I had to research diligently the application of the term “cynic” or “cynical”.
My initial discovery was a 16 page article “No One Knows Enough To Be Cynical” published on September 22, 2020 by a writer by the name of Terry Kozlowski who explained the term in significant positive and negative aspects and also invited readers to self diagnose their personality “to overcome your fears, improve your mindset, and live the life you deserve.”
After reviewing the article in great detail in light of the statement that “cynics are less trusting, less confident, and sicklier” I immediately scheduled a post depression analysis with the “Best of the Best” board certified Cynical Docs. in order to attempt to raise my ego out of the deep depths of depression.
As I studied further I began to wonder if my self appointed critic may have been correct and that my poorly concealed attempts at satire and subtle suggestion that everything is not perfect in the uncontrolled expansion of Choo Choo City/Hamilton County in the “bigger is better” category expounded by paid consultant ex-politicians and the local/foreign developers, etc. who want to categorically satisfy the wants and needs of 385,000 citizens and their own personal bank accounts.
After citing quotations on the topic from such impartial authorities such as night time host, Stephen Colbert, etc. I found it necessary to look further for less serious authorities.
One of my confidential, unreliable sources recently sent me a copy of the publication “The Cynic’s Dictionary” by Aubrey Dillon Malone (NTC/Contemporary Publishing Group) that contains hundreds of quotes by famous and unknown contributors.
Six examples follow under categories of “cynic” and “cynicism”:
(The passage of time will determine the accuracy and application of number 6)
A. Cynic:
1. “A sentimentalist afraid of himself.”
2. “A blackguard whose faulty vision sees things as they are, not as they ought to be.”
3. “Someone who found out there wasn’t any Santa Claus when he was ten, and is still upset about it.”
B. Cynicism:
4. “Intellectual dandyism.”
5. “The intellectual cripple’s substitute for intelligence.”
6. “AN UNPLEASANT WAY OF TELLING THE TRUTH.”
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You can reach Jerry Summers at jsummers@summersfirm.com