How is skepticism different than cynicism? A skeptic is a doubter. A cynic is a disbeliever.

It's important that you understand the difference. I think this article explains it very well. I should note that I'm writing this as a 'hopeful' sceptic so, based on The Associated Press Stylebook differentiation that, “A skeptic is a doubter. A cynic is a disbeliever”, being a hopeful sceptic is doubly positive. That's a good start...

How is skepticism different than cynicism? Find the answer in ancient Greece

A USA Today op-ed column created a stir in recent days. No, not the one supposedly written by President Trump that was followed by a fact check showing many of the claims to be wrong. This one said that in challenging Brett Kavanaugh’s Supreme Court nomination by supporting his accuser, Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, Democrats […]

Columbia Journalism ReviewMerrill Perlman

When searching for a title for this blog, I was happy with the word 'sceptic' in the title but felt it needed an adjective to add a little oomph, maybe a bit of mischief. I threw some out to my family: curious, optimistic, happy. However, it was 'hopeful' that found most favour and, in fairness, it was my choice too. It has a feelgood factor which, in these turbulent times, shouldn't be dismissed lightly.

So, as the article below, emphasises, 'hopeful skepticism' is where it's at - for me, anyway. As for the spelling, I'm Irish and will default to 'sceptic' unless I'm quoting some US skeptics or their devotees.

How Hopeful Skepticism Rather Than Cynicism Can Make A Big Difference

Cynicism and mistrust have been increasing in society and assume that everyone has bad intentions. Hopeful skepticism is different, leaving you open to more information.

ForbesBruce Y. Lee

To avoid too much darkness (and cynicism) in these dark days, this book, by Stanford Psychologist Dr. Jamil Zaki may have the cure—a “ray of light for dark days” (Adam Grant, #1 New York Times bestselling author).

Hope for Cynics

Amazon Editors’ Pick for Best Nonfiction Books of 2024 Cynicism is making us sick; Stanford Psychologist Dr. Jamil Zaki has the cure—a “ray of light for…

Grand Central PublishingLearn more about this author

That's it. A cynic is a disbeliever. A sceptic, on the other hand, is a doubter. And this one hopefully doubts...