I often come across comments in blogs, not only my own but also in those of others. The word cynical so often comes into my mind, as synonymous as the attitude of those who are jaded, generally mistrust the integrity or good motives of other people. The cynic, always assuming the worst, is systematically sceptical, pessimistic and scornful – and sees others as motivated by self-interest.

Where does this word cynicism come from? There is an article on Wikipedia which shows cynicism as a school of ancient Greek philosophy. The original meaning is surprisingly different from the way we use the word to describe a scathing and negative attitude to life. The Greek Cynics saw virtue in a simple and unconventional life, and they were actually quite close to the Stoics. It perhaps became a basis of monastic life in Christianity from about the fifth century.

They were indifferent to what others would say about them in their eccentricities. They had no shame. In the Roman world, cynicism was held in disdain by Cicero, who saw it as being opposed to modesty. I would quite easily see the hippies and other anti-socials of the 1960’s as modern cynics if we follow this idea of simplicity and the rejection of social convention. Some historians wonder if Jesus was influenced by cynicism, but most scholars doubt this and see the Jewish prophetic tradition as of much greater importance.

I wonder what gave rise to the change of meaning from the cynic being some kind of hippy to being someone who disbelieved in altruism. Oscar Wilde defined a cynic as one who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing.

I have the impression that cynicism in this modern meaning of the word is one of our main obstacles to spiritual growth. In this morning’s Gospel, Christ says that if we do not become as a little child, we cannot enter the kingdom of heaven. Children are innocent, trusting, and above all, capable of the sense of awe and wonder. Cynics are jaded, have lost innocence and the sense of the wonderful and transcendent. It is of no wonder that they only see evil, self-interest and a trap in everything.

Cynicism is the opposite of prophecy. It is intellectual sloth and paralyses the spirit. The only way out of it, like all spiritual sicknesses, is prayer and conversion. Those of us who suffer from cynicism need to rediscover natural and man-made beauty, and discover altruism where it is to be found. Perhaps we would ourselves become more altruistic, and therefore closer to God.

If we remain cynics, we will lose the Faith and our happiness.