A Generation of Cynics

cynical

adjective

1.

distrusting or disparaging the motives of others; like or characteristic of a cynic.

2.

showing contempt for accepted standards of honesty or morality by one's actions, especially by actions that exploit the scruples of others.

3.

bitterly or sneeringly distrustful, contemptuous, or pessimistic.

We live in a generation of cynics.

Think about how many people you have heard talking about how "you can't trust anyone these days" and you'll be clued in. Or those who claim that "you can only rely on yourself" or say "you should never be dependent on anyone." In fact, a study done in November of 2013 shows that only one-third of Americans feel that most people can be trusted. That number has dropped since the one-half of Americans it claimed in 1972.

My generation has become a distrustful and independent one. We have fostered these attitudes with little care for their consequences. And consequently, we have become cynical people. 

It has become seemingly difficult to find a selfless motive, a trustworthy confidant, or someone genuine amongst the "fake" or "two/too-faced" people (And makeups. Anyone? Anyone?) out there. 

This is a sad thing, indeed.

But I feel assured that we have not become cynics because we have a right to be so. There are trustworthy people out there. There are people we can depend on! People with good hearts who genuinely care about our well being. They aren't perfect, but we aren't either. Of course, we cannot expect our friends, siblings, parents, or spouses to take the place of God. He is the only one who will always be beside us. Nonetheless, we should not harden our hearts towards everyone and everything.

As humans, we have a yearning to connect with others. 

It's hard to connect with others if you don't allow yourself to trust. And it seems hypocritical to tell someone else to open up when you won't yourself. Guard your heart, but don't close it completely.

It is difficult for someone to become trustworthy if they are never trusted with anything. Likewise, it is difficult for one to be dependable if they have never been depended on.