As we all know, Conan O’Brien hosted his last episode of The Tonight Show last Friday. I watched his closing comments online the next morning, and this statement stood out to me as brightly as Conan’s red hair:
“All I ask of you is one thing: please don’t be cynical. I hate cynicism — it’s my least favorite quality and it doesn’t lead anywhere. Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get. But if you work really hard and you’re kind, amazing things will happen.”
On the exterior, I am kind, soft-spoken, and a little funny. But under that thin layer lives a very cynical soul. If I took away that cynicism, I’m not sure if I would recognize myself.
The cynicism serves its purpose. It protects me. It makes me feel better about myself by pushing others down. It contributes marginally to my sense of humor. However, as is the case with so many things in this world, what makes me feel good is actually a cancer. Like The Bachelor (two hours every week? really?).
I want to be kind — truly kind. I want to be happy for the successes of others and applaud their efforts without planting devious motives in their heart. At first, I think that the opposite of cynicism is naïveté. I’m wrong though; it’s love. And whatever quality I think is enhanced by cynicism, like my humor, can be enhanced more by love and the positivity and creativity that come with it.
Conan’s words spoke to me as well. Not because I’m a cynical person, but because I’m right there with him in the belief that cynicism will get you nowhere. In fact, I used this same quote here to illustrate how important it is to see and enjoy the bright side of entertainment.
I think I’ve always been a positive person but I can recognize that cynicism has its uses. Still, it’s important to not let it inform who you are and your outlook on life. I suppose it’s a first step to recognizing a possible shortcoming, but you have to be willing and able to take it to the next level and that’s usually the hardest part. And your ultimate conclusion about “the opposite of cynicism”? As far as I’m concerned, you nailed it.
Thanks, Robert. Even this morning, I’ve been consciously pushing down that cynicism. Hopefully, it will get easier over time.
(Sorry for taking so long to approve your comment. I guess I didn’t notice the approval email at first.)
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What a great post — I couldn’t agree with you more.
Thanks, Stephanie!
word!
If only the world had more optimists like us, huh?