Cynicism: The Silent Killer of Joy and Creativity (And How to Overcome It)

2 min. read

John Hegarty once said, “Cynicism is the death of creativity.” It’s a powerful thought—the idea that belief in our ideas, and in ourselves, is what keeps inspiration alive. Doubt might chip away at this belief, but cynicism? Cynicism kills it stone dead.

This resonates deeply with me. In my personal life, I’ve noticed how different mindsets—optimism, skepticism, and cynicism—shape not only creativity but how we engage with the world. In a professional workshop setting, when I see positive, open-minded state of people, everything feels possible. But in situations where I experience more cynical moments, everyone’s enthusiasm fades, and the drive to explore or create disappears. It’s as if the world shrinks, and with it, the sense of what’s possible.

Jamil Zaki, a psychology professor and author, defines cynicism as the belief that people are inherently selfish, greedy, and dishonest. He argues that cynicism is often a misguided worldview, rooted in a tendency to assume the worst of others. Zaki highlights that although negative events do occur, cynical perceptions frequently distort reality, leading individuals to believe that most people act out of self-interest. He argues that cynicism isn’t just harmful to our creative spirit—it’s damaging to our well-being and society. Cynics tend to earn less, experience more depression, and tragically, they are more likely to die younger than their more optimistic counterparts. It’s a self-fulfilling prophecy: expecting the worst and seeing it everywhere. If we saw a medication with a warning: leads to depression, contributes to shorter and a less fulfilling life, it would be considered a poison. Yet, many people engage in cynical thinking, and it is dangerous.

For some, cynicism may stem from early childhood experiences, particularly insecure attachment, where trust in others was compromised. This typically occurs when a caregiver becomes temporarily or permanently absent, or when the primary bond with the caregiver is inconsistent, unresponsive, or unreliable. Insecure attachment forms when a caregiver fails to consistently meet the child’s emotional needs, shaping the child’s ability to trust and form secure relationships later in life. As a result, those with this attachment style may struggle to believe in others—or even in themselves. Fear of abandonment can also lead them to push people away as a form of self-protection.

The good news is that attachment styles are not fixed. With therapy, self-awareness, and healthy relationships, individuals can move toward a more secure attachment style over time. This process involves building trust, improving emotional regulation, and cultivating self-compassion, which can gradually transform insecure attachment into healthier, more balanced relationship patterns—and potentially reduce our predisposition to cynicism.

Thanks to neuroplasticity, we have the ability to reshape our thoughts and behaviors. While overcoming Automatic Negative Thoughts (ANTs) is challenging, persistent effort and practice can lead to meaningful change.

Take a moment to reflect on how your cynicism or cynicisms of others might be affecting your life. Are you shutting down new ideas before giving them a chance? Try approaching your next challenge with curiosity instead of doubt. Practice openness and see how it can shift your mindset, enhance your creativity, and improve your well-being. By paying close attention to your own thoughts and reactions, approach challenges like a scientist: without attaching yourself to the outcome or predicting failure. Opening up can make us not only less cynical but also more creative, more resilient and even healthier over time.