Cynicism is often glamorized and perceived as a mark of intelligence, leading the majority to believe that cynics are smarter and better at detecting lies than non-cynics. This belief is reinforced by societal stereotypes, with about 70% of people viewing cynics as more intelligent and 85% considering them superior lie detectors. However, research consistently shows that this perception is misguided. In reality, studies reveal that cynics perform worse than non-cynics on various cognitive tests, including math and analytical reasoning. This highlights the detrimental effects of a cynical mindset, challenging the notion that distrust and skepticism equate to wisdom.