AI-powered
podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
3min snip
The Power of Trust and Skepticism with Jamil Zaki
All the Hacks with Chris Hutchins
Skepticism Trumps Cynicism: Choose Evidence Over Assumptions
Cynicism and skepticism represent fundamentally different mindsets, impacting relationships and perceptions of trust. Cynicism assumes people are inherently selfish and untrustworthy, focusing on negative behaviors while ignoring positive contributions. This mindset resembles a prosecution against humanity, leading to a biased outlook. Conversely, skepticism seeks evidence and remains critical of assumptions, akin to a scientific approach. Skeptics adapt better to new situations, cultivate stronger relationships, and avoid the pitfalls of cynicism. However, societal trends show rising cynicism, with trust in people and institutions, such as politics, education, and media, sharply declining since the 1970s. Many people now find it easier to distrust others, especially those different from themselves, which further erodes the possibility for rigorous, scientific skepticism to flourish in our society.
00:00
Transcript
Episode notes
Get the Snipd
podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered
Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any
moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share
& Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered
podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode