78 THE POPULAR SCIENCE MOXTHLY, 



CYXICISM OPPOSED TO PEOGEESS. 



By WILLIAM A. EDDY. 



WHEX examining a question of possible corruption, or any form 

 of crime, we tind that nearly all men take a somewhat cynical 

 view. So common is this that we may safely say that it applies to all 

 who know the world. Yet a careful examination of facts, though 

 giving us a vague idea of the real proportion of crime, must finally 

 convince us that cynicism is simi^ly the sentinel on guard to Tvarn us 

 against possible injury from exceptional qualities in others. It is clear 

 that cynicism is due to the fact that there still remain traces of a mutu- 

 ally devouring condition of development. But this destructive posi- 

 tion in thought ought not to remain extreme long after the advancing 

 light has modified the conditions that partly justified it. In truth, 

 there is in the nature of things a check to the cynical tendency in the 

 fact that the realization of severity in thought is impeded by consid- 

 erations that involve some deliberation. Thought and imagination 

 easily lead to extreme conclusions never carried to a practical result, 

 because it is often so much easier to think, and requires so much less 

 time than to act. In other words, the thought may be cynical, but the 

 every-day action is generally in accordance with the assumption that 

 men are trustworthy. 



As the advances are made directly through the influence of practi- 

 cal and talented men, and indirectly through the deepest thinkers, it 

 follows that a low opinion of the general intelligence and morality 

 tends to discourage all but men of genius, to decrease the number 

 and extent of higher influences, and to retard material advancement. 

 One of the striking characteristics of the age is the promptness with 

 which money is invested and speculative enterprises are carried for- 

 ward. The prevailing tendency is to assume the inevitable success of 

 a project, and overlook the chances of failure. In fact, the liberality 

 with which our country is supplied with improvements in steam tran- 

 sit, newspapers, ocean-cables, telephones, etc., denotes that the modern 

 spirit is far from cynical. The transaction of business, except in a 

 limited and ineflacient way, would be impossible if the majority of 

 men were swindlers. 



It is with much satisfaction that we observe a general conspiracy 

 in the drift of affairs whereby a negative way of viewing things fails 

 to become general. Affirmative and cheerful people have positive 

 force that dispels the shadows of needless anxiety with excess of light. 

 The friends with whom we are the most unreserved, and who exert 

 the most social power generally, are not severe in their judgments. 

 The cheerful man is a center of attractive force, while the cynic at 

 times dissipates important and beneficial influences. In truth, the 



