A Slight Change of Plans How to Stay Hopeful (When It Feels Impossible)
4 snips
Nov 3, 2025 
Jamil Zaki, a psychology professor at Stanford and author of "Hope for Cynics," dives into the contrasts between cynicism and hope. He discusses how cynicism undermines personal and social well-being, revealing its emotional toll. Jamil introduces the concept of “hopeful skepticism,” emphasizing its role in resilience and successful goal achievement. He shares strategies like connecting with core values and practicing social savoring to combat cynicism. Ultimately, he encourages gradual habit changes to nurture hope in both personal lives and communities.
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Cynicism Distorts Social Perception
- Cynicism assumes people are fundamentally selfish and makes trust feel like a losing bet.
- Jamil Zaki argues this view skews attention to harms and reduces willingness to rely on others.
Capitol Insurrection Shook His Convictions
- Jamil started drafting an optimism talk on Jan 6, 2021 and watched the Capitol insurrection unfold.
- That moment exposed the gap between his research-based beliefs and his gut cynicism.
Negativity Bias Fuels Cynicism
- Human negativity bias makes us focus on threats and negative events more easily.
- That bias helps explain why cynicism is a stubborn default for many people.
