# Cynicism > Cynicism is defined as ignorance plus arrogance; true skepticism remains open to investigation while cynicism dismisses without examination. - Canonical: https://sassani.app/topic/cynicism # Cynicism *A careful observer studies an incomplete specimen between a sealed verdict and an unexamined offering* Across these transcripts, cynicism is not presented as careful testing of a claim. The balance point is called skepticism: an open-minded willingness to explore evidence, examine one's relationship to it, and allow an old belief to be challenged without being required to abandon it. > — of2Graph Of Growth (qa-1), [Source](https://sassani.app/source-transmissions/of2graph-of-growth) ## The investigative middle The teaching places gullibility and cynicism on opposite sides of skepticism, but says they are not true opposites. Each is described as a closed commitment that will not change despite contrary evidence: one accepts without discernment; the other dismisses without investigation. > — of2Graph Of Growth (qa-1), [Source](https://sassani.app/source-transmissions/of2graph-of-growth) The practical distinction is therefore not between believing and disbelieving a new claim, but between investigating it and having one's mind made up in advance. The earlier source likewise says that information need not receive an immediate response to have importance, and that a realization may arrive differently or later than expected. > — of2Graph Of Growth (qa-1), [Source](https://sassani.app/source-transmissions/of2graph-of-growth) > — The13th Floor (qa-3), [Source](https://sassani.app/source-transmissions/the13th-floor) ## The stated formula and its roots *A small unmarked seed rests inside layered protective shells with one visible opening clasp* Two sessions state the formula as “cynicism equals ignorance plus arrogance.” One opening monologue independently names ignorance and arrogance as barriers to the love, understanding, joy, and communication it describes. > — of2Graph Of Growth (qa-1), [Source](https://sassani.app/source-transmissions/of2graph-of-growth) > — The Mechanics Of Channeling (qa-22), [Source](https://sassani.app/source-transmissions/the-mechanics-of-channeling) > — The Legacy (text), [Source](https://sassani.app/source-transmissions/the-legacy) The Mechanics Of Channeling adds a stated inner pattern: self-doubt, self-fear, beliefs in lack of self-worth, and beliefs in lack generally. It illustrates that pattern as a scarcity-and-mockery stance—there is only enough for oneself, and a different view must be rejected—rather than as an evidence-based conclusion. > — The Mechanics Of Channeling (qa-22), [Source](https://sassani.app/source-transmissions/the-mechanics-of-channeling) ## Individuality, peace, and choice In that same exchange, peace is not described as homogeneity. The stated social application is that distinct individuals can fit together harmoniously when each is granted full individuality; cynicism is presented there as the mindset that must change for that possibility. > — The Mechanics Of Channeling (qa-22), [Source](https://sassani.app/source-transmissions/the-mechanics-of-channeling) A related exchange describes persistent choice of negative states as becoming less able to recognize one's capacity to choose at all. It is not a definition of cynicism, but it corroborates the chapter's concern with a closed state that narrowly limits perceived alternatives. > — of2Mistaken Identity Bashar [2015-06-20] (qa-5), [Source](https://sassani.app/source-transmissions/of2mistaken-identity-bashar-2015-06-20-2) ## Practical implications Within this teaching, a careful response to unfamiliar information is to keep the investigation open: look at the evidence, allow a belief to be challenged, and do not equate consideration with acceptance. This is a source-bound framework, not a substitute for domain-specific evidence or verification practices. > — of2Graph Of Growth (qa-1), [Source](https://sassani.app/source-transmissions/of2graph-of-growth) The transcripts also caution against two pressures that can close inquiry: fear of a conclusion and desire for one. In the claimed-images exchange, desire is said to overwhelm judgment; the point is not to repeat its particular verdict, but to preserve the distinction between what is wanted and what is established. > — The13th Floor (qa-25), [Source](https://sassani.app/source-transmissions/the13th-floor) ## Representative passages What you call being skeptical is in and of itself a natural, healthy point of view. Skepticism, by definition, is an open-minded state of a willingness to explore something, a willingness to look at what you call evidence, and a willingness to allow for a new belief to come in, to challenge the old belief you may have been holding on to.— Bashar, Cynicism — the combination of ignorance and arrogance. The most important thing to change in terms of your mindset on your world that will make all the difference. Cynicism comes from self-doubt, self-fear, beliefs in lack of self-worth, belief in lack in general — there's not enough for you, there's only enough for me, you can't be right, that doesn't fit with my world, therefore I will mock you.— Bashar, I am not saying you have to be gullible. But cynicism will be the death of many of you, in all ways you can mean that word. Do not necessarily always assume that you must respond to some information in a particular way for it to have importance to you. Just think about it. You will see what you need to find within it. The realizations will come, but not necessarily when or how you think.— Bashar, ## Related - [Fear](https://sassani.app/topic/fear) - [Definitions & Beliefs](https://sassani.app/topic/definitions-and-beliefs) - [Judgment](https://sassani.app/topic/judgment) - [Consciousness](https://sassani.app/topic/consciousness) Markdown twin of https://sassani.app/topic/cynicism. The HTML page is the source of truth.