cynism

Cynicism is a philosophical school of thought that originated in ancient Greece. The Cynics believed that virtue is the only good and that the path to virtue is through the rigorous training of the self to live in accordance with nature. They advocated for a simple life, free from material possessions and societal conventions. Key figures in Cynicism include Antisthenes, who was a pupil of Socrates, and Diogenes of Sinope, who is perhaps the most famous Cynic. Diogenes famously lived in a tub and rejected social norms, believing them to be artificial and detrimental to a virtuous life.

Modern usage of the term "cynicism" often differs from its ancient philosophical meaning. Today, cynicism is typically understood as a distrust of others' motives and a belief that people are primarily driven by self-interest. This contemporary understanding views cynics as individuals who are skeptical, pessimistic, and often critical of established institutions and societal values. They may question the sincerity of altruistic actions and assume hidden agendas behind seemingly good deeds. While ancient Cynicism was a path to virtue and self-sufficiency, modern cynicism is more often associated with a negative outlook on human nature and society.