Hope for Cynics
On sale
5th September 2024
Price: £22
Cynicism is making us sick; Stanford psychologist Dr Jamil Zaki has the cure – a ‘ray of light for dark days’ (Adam Grant, #1 New York Times bestselling author).
For thousands of years, people have argued about whether humanity is selfish or generous, cruel or kind. But recently, our answers have changed. In 1972, half of Americans agreed that most people can be trusted; by 2018, that figure had fallen to 30%. Different generations, genders, religions and political parties can’t seem to agree on anything, except that they all think human virtue is evaporating.
Cynicism is a perfectly understandable response to a world full of injustice and inequality. But in many cases, cynicism is misplaced. Dozens of studies find that people fail to realise how kind, generous and open-minded others really are. And cynical thinking worsens social problems, because our beliefs don’t just interpret the world; they change it. When we expect people to be awful, we coax awfulness out of them. Cynicism is a disease, with a history, symptoms and a cure. Through science and storytelling, Jamil Zaki imparts the secret for beating back cynicism: hopeful scepticism. This approach doesn’t mean putting our faith in every politician or influencer. It means thinking critically about people and our problems, while simultaneously acknowledging and encouraging our strengths. Far from being naïve, hopeful scepticism is a more precise way of understanding others, and paying closer attention re-balances how you think about human nature. As more of us do this, we can take steps towards building the world we truly want.
For thousands of years, people have argued about whether humanity is selfish or generous, cruel or kind. But recently, our answers have changed. In 1972, half of Americans agreed that most people can be trusted; by 2018, that figure had fallen to 30%. Different generations, genders, religions and political parties can’t seem to agree on anything, except that they all think human virtue is evaporating.
Cynicism is a perfectly understandable response to a world full of injustice and inequality. But in many cases, cynicism is misplaced. Dozens of studies find that people fail to realise how kind, generous and open-minded others really are. And cynical thinking worsens social problems, because our beliefs don’t just interpret the world; they change it. When we expect people to be awful, we coax awfulness out of them. Cynicism is a disease, with a history, symptoms and a cure. Through science and storytelling, Jamil Zaki imparts the secret for beating back cynicism: hopeful scepticism. This approach doesn’t mean putting our faith in every politician or influencer. It means thinking critically about people and our problems, while simultaneously acknowledging and encouraging our strengths. Far from being naïve, hopeful scepticism is a more precise way of understanding others, and paying closer attention re-balances how you think about human nature. As more of us do this, we can take steps towards building the world we truly want.
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Reviews
In this uplifting yet never saccharine narrative, Zaki ably combines scientific data with anecdotal evidence to abundantly show how "cynical beliefs eat away at relationships, communities, economies and society itself"-and why hope is a potent corrective. With both heart and academic rigour, Zaki should persuade many cynics to trust in hope
There has always been an emotional case for hope, but now there is a rational one. Jamil Zaki's new book is beautiful, wise, and important-a sensible, scientific, and much-needed tonic for what ails us
Magnificently written and powerfully moving, Hope for Cynics is *the* societal medicine we all need right now. Filled with the latest science, practical tips and moving stories, Zaki provides an inspiring example of how each and every one of us can turn towards more optimism, connection and joy
In this transformative book, Jamil Zaki presents an antidote to the cynicism corroding our social health. With rigorous scientific research and fascinating narratives, Zaki challenges the belief that humanity is inherent selfish, and advocates instead for a "hopeful skepticism" that creates a better world. This is a practical guide to nurturing a more trusting and cooperative society-and, ultimately, a more optimistic future
Woven in Zaki's affable and deeply considered writing, latter day research into how optimism and hopeful scepticism build out creative problem-solving and intelligence seems to come to life for the first time. Hopefulness, it seems, can indeed be a choice leading to measurably improved outcomes − and here we are offered a clear continuum of logical, clinically studied and peer-reviewed proof
An ode to contemporary critical thinking
If you think hope is naïve and cynicism is wise, get ready to think again. Jamil Zaki is at the forefront of the science of beliefs, and he shows that refusing to see possibility makes it impossible to solve problems. This book is a ray of light for dark days
Zaki introduces various juicy phenomena linked to cynicism, including populism, conspiracy theories and political polarisation. He rejects the notion that cynicism is a radical, stick-it-to-the-man worldview, reframing it as a "tool of the status quo"
I can't imagine a more timely topic. Hope is a skill, and one of my favourite psychologists has written its playbook. Hope for Cynics is grounded in fascinating research yet deeply personal, with an outstanding practical appendix of 'try this' tips for escaping the snare of cynicism
Zaki paints an optimistic yet realistic view of where things stand without papering over the obstacles to building trust in increasingly divided societies. This will convince readers they don't need to bury their heads in the sand to envision a more hopeful future
Hope for Cynics is a timely guide, and Zaki's tribute to his radically hopeful friend adds an endearing, personal layer to this book
In these troubled times, we hope against hope for reasons to be hopeful. And along comes Hope for Cynics, with good news not just about the future, but the present as well. Data, when viewed critically, show that we are less polarised, unempathic and angry than we're led to believe. There's little to fear except snarky cynicism itself, and Zaki provides needed antidotes to it. Written with a wise personal voice, this is a vital book for all of us