Beating CynicismSample

Your New Best Friend: Curiosity

Hope is the ultimate antidote to cynicism, but both remembering that and knowing how to live it out can be difficult in the grind of everyday life. 

One of the best things you can do is to fuel hope is to cultivate your curiosity. Most of us are born curious. Think back to when you were a kid. You had a million questions. But somewhere between your preschool years and today, your curiosity died. 

As I was reclaiming my optimism and learning to trust, hope and believe again, I noticed something: curious people are never cynical, and cynical people are never curious. Think for a minute about the wonderfully curious people you know. You’ll quickly realize that the curious are always interested, always hopeful, and always open to new possibilities.

So, I decided to become more curious. In fact, I wonder if that’s one of the things Jesus had in mind when he pulled the little child aside and stood him in front the crowd to tell a bunch of adults that unless you become like this toddler, you won’t enter the Kingdom of God. Among other things, kids are wonderfully (and annoyingly) curious. 

If you want to be less cynical, be more curious.

Like most things, curiosity is a habit that can be nurtured. Here are five small things you can do that will help you become more curious:

1. Schedule Thinking Time

When was the last time you felt curious while you were in a hurry? Plan time to breathe and explore. 

2. Ask Open-Ended Questions

The curious ask broad, probing questions—and then sit back and listen. 

3. Give Fewer Answers

The restraint you develop in not giving answers to everything will make you challenge your own thinking, ask yourself more questions, and encourage you to dig deeper. 

4. Dream More

Cynicism makes dreams die. Stop settling for the probable, not the possible. 

5. Ask Two Pivotal Questions

The curious ask, “Why?” And they ask, “Why not?”

Cultivate curiosity long enough, and hope will begin to flourish. And when hope flourishes, cynicism doesn’t stand a chance. 

Prayer: Lord, there was a time when I was far more curious than I am today. Help me to become curious again. Defeat my cynicism, and fill me with the wonder of a child—to listen, wonder, be amazed and stand in awe of you and everything you’ve created. Amen.