Countering Cynicism ‘Why do people do what they do?” One common position with regard to this question is “cynicism,” a belief that the basic motivation for actions is selfishness. Cynics often fail to believe in the sincerity of any position, and they doubt people are basically good. “Misanthropes” go one step further, distrusting people generally. and doubts that people are good. Both of these views harm us as individuals and they are antithetical to Mormonism. In this presentation, I offer thoughts on the nature of cynicism and how we might counter its negative effects when we find it in ourselves and others.

Michael E. Nielsen