TED Talks Daily How to escape the cynicism trap | Jamil Zaki
Mar 2, 2023
Jamil Zaki, a research psychologist known for his work on cooperation and empathy, tackles the pervasive issue of cynicism in today's world. He emphasizes how cynicism breeds loneliness and erodes trust, particularly heightened during crises like the pandemic. Zaki shares compelling research that encourages optimism and highlights the power of kindness and cooperation in fostering meaningful connections. His insights reveal that by embracing empathy and hope, we can escape the cynicism trap and promote a more united society.
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Cynicism Defined
- Cynicism is the belief that people are inherently selfish and untrustworthy.
- It's spreading, with declining trust in others.
Declining Trust
- Trust in others has decreased significantly over time.
- In 1972, 45% of Americans trusted most people, dropping to 30% by 2018.
Brazilian Fishing Villages
- Two fishing villages in Brazil, one cooperative and one competitive, demonstrate how social environments shape behavior.
- Fishermen's behavior changed based on whether they worked collaboratively or competitively.