Things have definitely changed quite a bit in the last half a century! I actually feel like the post I wrote this morning fits really well with the theme this week. It doesn't touch on all the points, but the whole idea of cynicism is definitely there. It's certainly hard not to let it drag you down and as I pondered, it might also be better to be naive and ignorant. I don't really feel that way, but I often seem more sad smart people than I do stupid people... :)
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They've changed so much. I think in another decade we'll have experienced much more change than even those born at the turn of the 19th century. I'll have to read your post! Writing this one really was a wake up call for me about how cynical I was becoming. I think we just have to remind ourselves sometimes to seek the good and the positive because mostly all we hear is negative in the media and it can really give you a false perception of the world. I agree about what you say about smart people. Most high IQ people I've met don't live happy lives, they often wander off to the edge of madness at some point. Balance and self-awareness is the key, I think.
I need to do a better job of seeing the positive side of things which usually isn't too hard for me. It's hard sometimes though the way people act! I think the real key is finding a way to not let the actions of others impact me quite so much. I saw a speaker a while ago who talked about identifying the things you can't change so that you can recognize the things you can to get a different outcome. It was a good speech and concept.
It's really tough man. This is something I'm discovering in middle age. I try to be less reactive to other people's behavior, build up an insulating layer of peace. It sounds like that speaker gave some good advice! Identifying what is within your control is an awesome place to start.