So you are saying that cynics believe:

1. That selfishness motivates human actions
2. Since selfishness motivates human actions, it’s okay to believe what materially benefits you is important.

Am I ready that right? I’m getting wrapped up in syntax is all.

Also, while it is difficult to judge ourselves, it seems we need to do it through self-reflection if we are to improve. We can’t necessarily go by anyone else’s assessment either because everyone is biased. I guess that’s where we would ask whatever god we believe in to shed some light on the situation.

Incidentally, if you have time to stop over at my blog, I would appreciate your take on the discussion that went on earlier (called “Alleluia”). The discussion is a bit inane (if something can be only a bit inane and not completely inane), but your feedback is always interesting.

Unfortunately, even though we have difficulty judging ourselves, that does not stop us from trying to judge others and guessing at their motives. Typically, we project our own motives onto others. If our own intentions are less than honorable, our tendency is to be cynical. Hence, I make this statement about cynics.

If you believe only selfishness motivates human actions and that only what materially benefits you is important, then you are the modern cynic.

I doubt you are a modern cynic. While most of us can be cynical at time, I suspect what we would call a thorough-going cynic is relatively rare. At least, I hope so.

Isn’t Alice great? In some ways, Wonderland (I want to re-read Looking Glass) is the ultimate piece of cynicism. Every character is indeed mad, but every character has some resemblance to real people. Carrol was before his time with the hookah smoking caterpillar, incidentally. Yes, people smoked opium in his time, but I think he foresaw the hippie movement.

In any event….where was I going with this?

Oh yes. Cynics.

Please clarify this:

“If you believe only selfishness motivates human actions and that only what materially benefits you is important, then you are the modern cynic.”

Does this mean if you believe others believe selfishness motivates human actions that you jump on the bandwagon and believe it too? What is the use of “you” in the second part of that statement?

I like to call myself a cynic, so it’s interesting I am calling myself a dog who fornicates in the streets.

I guess I’m not a true cynic, though, because I often cannot identify my “enemies.” You have to do an AWFUL lot (and obvious things) to be my “enemy” and even then, I wouldn’t wish death or destruction on you.

Of course, that’s rather one-sided of me since my enemies probably wish something similar on ME. Hopefully, they won’t get their wish.

To amuse myself when I exercise, I listen to books on an MP3 player. Lately, I have been listening to Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass. What Alice experienced seems less unreal than what Barack Hussein Obama would have us believe is good government.

The most important part of my piece is the last two lines – because that is what I think is at work.

I want to get back to my Futures Tutorials too. And read a ton more, write, work more on novel II.

Ironically funny, because I am tired of writing criticism. I’m an optimistic, Enlightenment, joyful Christian. But, geez louise when our government – all three branches at the federal level – spend so much time trashing the Constitution while they damage – if not destroy – the Nation, I feel compelled to speak up.

It’s going to be a huge fight to promote Constitutional Republicans. But, it needs to be done by us all.