Cynicism masquerades as wisdom, but it is the furthest thing

There is a subtle shadow that dwells within the hearts of humankind, a shadow that cloaks itself in the garments of wisdom, yet brings forth no light. This shadow is cynicism. As Stephen Colbert declares, “Cynicism masquerades as wisdom, but it is the furthest thing from it.” The cynic believes they are clever, that by doubting and scorning all things, they stand above the folly of others. Yet in truth, they close their eyes to the world, wrapping themselves in a self-imposed blindness. They reject not only falsehood but also hope, fearing that to hope is to risk being wounded.

Cynicism is a fortress built of fear. Its walls are high and cold, keeping out disappointment but also shutting out growth and understanding. A cynic always says “no”—no to love, no to trust, no to dreams. But in doing so, they refuse the very experiences that might bring healing and transformation. To say “yes”, by contrast, is to open a door, to allow something new to take root. Yes is the word of creators, of builders, of all who dare to imagine a better world. Just as a seed must break apart to sprout, so too must the human spirit risk breaking in order to grow.

History offers many tales of cynicism’s destruction. In the final days of the Roman Republic, voices arose that scorned ideals of unity and virtue, claiming that all men were corrupt and no cause worth fighting for. This cynicism led to apathy among the people, and in that apathy, ambitious men like Julius Caesar seized power. The republic did not fall because hope was too strong, but because cynicism had hollowed the hearts of its citizens, leaving them unwilling to rise and defend what they cherished.

Yet there are also tales of the power of yes. When the Wright brothers dreamed of human flight, many mocked them as fools. The cynics declared, “It cannot be done.” But the brothers dared to say yes to the impossible. Through countless failures and broken machines, they pressed forward, until one day the air was split by the sound of wings made by human hands. Their yes gave birth to a future where distances were conquered and nations connected. In this, they revealed a truth: great things are born not of scorn but of courage.

Let this wisdom be carried forward: cynicism may seem safe, but it is the path of stagnation and decay. To say yes is to step into the unknown, to embrace risk, pain, and the possibility of disappointment. Yet it is also the only path to growth, to love, and to the forging of a brighter destiny. Teach this to your children, that they may not hide behind the veil of clever doubt, but instead raise their voices boldly and say yes to the world. For only those who dare to begin can bring forth the dawn.