Shaun Groves
Traveling home today after a great Sunday in Tulsa. Expect nothing but silence from me the rest of the day. But I’ll get back to blogging tomorrow.
In the mean time, a quote from George Bernard Shaw on my mind this morning: “The power of accurate observation is commonly called cynicism by those who have not got it.”
True or false? What is the difference between an accurate but unpleasant observation and cynicism?
Gaby says:
Cynicism doesn’t have to be true; it just needs to appear that way.
Of course that’s the cynic in me speaking.
keith says:
I get down on myself for being cynical all the time, but this puts a more positive spin on it.
Geneva says:
This post certainly sounds like you are convinced that your observation on Fireproof (a movie you have not seen) is “an accurate observation” and those who disagree are just too dense to get it.
Having seen the movie, I respectfully disagree with what you had to say about it. I will say that the trailer and little snippets played on the radio did not make me have very high hopes for this film. After seeing it, I have a much better appreciation for the movie. I would even see it again.
I also believe that you are wrong in your assumption that this film was made solely to reach sinners and tell them about Jesus-y stuff. Many in the church are not outright rejecting Jesus but they have not made him the center of their lives, either. Many in the church who are looking for (and need) exactly what this movie offers.
I know that technically this post is not about the movie, but it seems to be a carry-over. So there’s my 2 cents.
Nancy Tyler says:
Cynicism is habitual condemnation. A cynic will assume your motives to be bad without ever really investigating them and will throw you or your work into the pile of others he’s already similarly dismissed.
Kent Kingery says:
Cynicism is generally intended to produce a negative feeling or response. As with all communications, there’s a sender and receiver. And the receiver’s perception is the receiver’s reality.
Tim Bailey says:
The only difference is the heart of the one who has made the accurate yet unpleasant observation. It becomes cynicism when you enjoy saying it.
Grovesfan says:
I’d have to agree with Tim and Kent on this one. Another big difference is that criticism (hopefully) is constructive and the observer has taken the time to accurately investigate all the circumstances and gather all the facts.
Beth
Zach Nielsen says:
Cynicism reeks of complaining and bitterness. It is just masked with wit and a broken smile. Cynical is not having the ability to be honest and humble about concerns, but would rather just be an angry sniper that shows up to shoot once in awhile.
z
Christine says:
To the GBS quote, I would say true. But I think the premise should be “What is the difference between an accurate observation and cynicism?” Shaw says nothing about the accurate observation being unpleasant.
An accurate observation should be just that – accurate, irrespective of the emotional reaction that observation will elicit. Accurate observations aren’t necessarily unpleasant. At least not from every point of view. But cynicism implies that accuracy, or objectivity, if you will, has been chucked aside in favor of an already-arrived-at opinion. Cynicism is a way of approaching observations irrespective of the accurate facts surrounding whatever it is that’s being observed. Someone incapable of or unwilling to set aside their own preconceptions about something would naturally assume the same about someone making an observation they didn’t like or agree with.
Jeff Pardo says:
of course, what consitutes an “accurate observation” is a valid question as well.
if it’s just based on an opinion or preference in taste…..then it’s moot to begin with.
which, of course, is why “accurate observations” about “art” are impossible.
continue on.
Kyle says:
I think cynicism is an “accurate observation”…of THIS world.
THIS world is “wearing out like a garment”, it’s falling apart, we’re all gonna die, etc.
But The Kingdom, that’s a different issue.
The Kingdom brings hope beyond THIS world.
So, yeah when looking at this world cynicism is an “accurate observation”.
But, for the citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven, cynicism is tunnel-vision, short-sightedness, just a small part of the bigger, better story.
Shaun Groves says:
This post certainly sounds like you are convinced that your observation on Fireproof (a movie you have not seen) is “an accurate observation” and those who disagree are just too dense to get it.
Uhhhh, no. But if that’s not a cynical view of me, I don’t know a thing about cynicism.
I wrote this post because the word “cynic” gets thrown around a lot. By me as well. Yes, I was called a cynic in the comments of the Fireproof post but that simply got me thinking…not accusing. You see, I don’t recall calling anyone I agreed with a cynic. That’s convenient. That got me thinking. And that’s all that’s behind this post, Geneva. Wish you’d have given me the same benefit of the doubt that you’d like me to give Fireproof. But I understand, the way some are interpreting that post, probably because of the way it was written, why you didn’t. No harm.
I also believe that you are wrong in your assumption that this film was made solely to reach sinners and tell them about Jesus-y stuff.
That’s not an assumption, actually. Read the media coverage of this film and statements from the folks making it. This church is using film as means of evangelism. I’ve not attacked them for that or for the message of this film either. I’m not assuming a thing about this church’s motivations. They’ve bravely stated them outright. And the film does talk about Jesus-y stuff, like, um, Jesus.
Shaun Groves says:
Cynical: believing the worst of human nature and motives; having a disbelief in the selflessness of others.
According to one of those dictionary things.
pat says:
I think the statement is true. Attempting to label someone a cynic could be a tactic to discredit an accurate observation (the truth).
I believe the difference between an accurate but unpleasant observation and cynicism is prejudice.
Rachel says:
I echo Tim on this one. It really comes down to where you heart is. That yields your motive, your tone, your delivery…regardless of how truthful the statement is.
There is a fine line to walk when delivering (and interpreting) something cynical and something that is an accurate observation. And many times, cynically delivered or not, the truth hurts.
And in the end, all the folks that peg you (or anyone) as a cynic probably don’t know you…so you’re right, that points the finger back at them by distrusting someone else’s motives and such.
Rachel says:
p.s. You were in Tulsa? I didn’t know, else I would have bought you a cup-a-joe or something.
Geneva says:
Shaun,
Nope, I really don’t have a cynical view of you. Just disagree w/ your take on stuff sometimes. But I still come to read because you are sometimes insightful. And sometimes funny.
MamasBoy says:
I’ve referred to myself and others I know and respect as being cynical, but I don’t think I’ve ever thought of people I respect as cynics.
A cynic, to me, is someone who habitually sees the worst in others and ignores the good. Negative cynicism distorts the truth and calls it accurate observation. People are a mixture of good and bad. Organized religion, politicians, businessmen, believers in evolution/creation, the government, Muslims, Jews, Baptists, Catholics, “Emergents” all these people/things have good and bad points. A cynic, in my mind, is someone refuses to see the good in others and can only criticize. Sometimes cynicism is accurate, but when somebody can only be cynical about a certain topic, then it is often the case that the cynicism expressed tends to be extreme and distorted views of reality, instead of accurate observation.
MB