Hope for Cynics

May 20, 2024
While the average person’s trust in others might be at an all-time low, “people are probably better than you think,” according to this illuminating analysis from Stanford psychology professor Zaki (The War for Kindness). Though a cynical outlook is often cast as smart and self-protective, it erodes the “psychological glue that binds us” and prevents cooperation, Zaki contends. On the flip side, a more hopeful attitude recognizes and encourages positive behavior. Corralling a wealth of research, Zaki cautions against falling prey to “negativity bias” by citing a study of 17,000 lost wallets across 40 countries that found most were returned, with rates in some countries reaching 80%. Elsewhere, he discusses a study in which Americans on opposite sides of controversial topics (gun control, abortion) had productive, exploratory conversations that led to a more than 20 point decrease in participants’ “dislike of rivals” compared to before the interaction. Championing a “hopeful skepticism” that mixes healthy curiosity with a generally positive view of humanity, Zaki is optimistic about where things stand but doesn't paper 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.

Starred review from July 1, 2024
A refreshing look at why "people are probably better than you think." Zaki, director of the Stanford Social Neuroscience Lab and self-proclaimed "secret introvert," analyzes his own cynicism along with a variety of social problems exacerbated by a systemic lack of hope. Part memoir, part research project, part love letter to his friend and colleague, the late neuroscientist Emile Bruneau, the book incorporates personal experience, research, interviews, and the author's conversations with Bruneau's wife. In order to become healthier and more productive citizens, cynics must shed their pessimistic ways by seeking what they fundamentally need--i.e., building fruitful relationships through measurable forms of action. Zaki is on a journey to find enlightenment, and he takes readers with him, step by step, offering a persuasive and beautifully mapped-out dialogue between himself and those cynics who are open--albeit skeptically--to his arguments. That skepticism, he writes, is healthier than cynicism, because it leaves room for asking questions, acquiring factual answers, and ultimately giving one a sense of hope about any given situation. Much of the cynicism in the world stems from negativity bias, which is lucrative and purposeful for those spreading lies and misinformation to gain power. In other words, those who capitalize on cynicism have an agenda that is not in the best interest of the general public. As a result, cynics perceive that no one cares; that few people truly enjoy helping others; and that most people avoid evil actions only because they are worried about getting caught. 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 rigor, Zaki should persuade many cynics to trust in hope.

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Starred review from August 30, 2024

This is a balm in book form; it's a remedy for the culture of negativity, distrust, and cynicism, all of which plague society today. Zaki (psychology, Stanford Univ.; The War for Kindness) is the director of Stanford's Social Neuroscience Lab. He studies human connection and is open to assessing his own experiences with trust and cynicism. Sharing the example of a friend, rival, and hero in his life, his book presents strategies to help readers develop more hope. This work includes compelling and incredibly well-reviewed research to demonstrate that hope is better than cynicism. He makes an important distinction between Greek Cynicism, which was ultimately based on hope, and the negative cynicism of this modern age, when some people feel more intelligent when they are distrustful. Ultimately, the book shows, this outlook is detrimental to one's relationships, health, and even potential earnings. He teaches readers to lay aside cynicism for hopeful skepticism. VERDICT Zaki does well in not only pointing out problems but also showing how to build solutions for the current culture of cynicism. Many people have questions as they search for ways to make their lives and the world better. This book is one of the best written responses to that.--Mason Bennett

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