Post-Cynicism

You know, when you reach a certain point of awareness, you realize most people tell little lies all day long.  You realize that some people who are polite to you don’t like you, that your bosses lie nearly continually, that most people are greedy and self centered, that most people don’t really listen–well, here’s Lou Reed’s list, in his ode to Lady Jane (Cowboy Junkies version):https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4XVJj4jER4

And there’s even some evil mothers
Well they’re gonna tell you that everything is just dirt
Y’know that, women, never really faint
And that villains always blink their eyes, woo!
And that, y’know, children are the only ones who blush!
And that, life is just to die!
And, everyone who ever had a heart
They wouldn’t turn around and break it
And anyone who ever played a part
Oh wouldn’t turn around and hate it!


Bottom line: cynicism is not an unreasonable viewpoint.  But what I see is that there is a place behind it.  It may be that EVERYONE is a liar.  But this doesn’t mean I have to lie to myself. This doesn’t mean I can’t influence others.  This doesn’t mean I can’t live my own bold and courageous life.  This doesn’t mean I have to be like other people.


And of course there are honest people in this world, although in my own experience, most of them are weak.  If you want to be yourself, you need a high pain tolerance.  But what else is there?  Between this moment, and the next corner of life, nothing is pushing me.  I can choose what I want, and my existential pain is slowly receding.