“Perhaps no philosopher is more correct than the cynic. The happiness of the animal, that thorough cynic, is the living proof of cynicism.”
§ 2.1, cited in Peter Sloterdijk, Critique of Cynical Reason (1987), p. ix
Untimely Meditations (1876)
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Friedrich Nietzsche655
German philosopher, poet, composer, cultural critic, and cl… 1844–1900Related quotes
“You are a cynical man, Mr. Pleasant."
"We live in cynical times, Miss Cain.”
Derek Landy (1974) Irish children's writer
Source: Death Bringer
“Morality and expediency coincide more than the cynics allow.”
Roy Hattersley (1932) British Labour Party politician, published author and journalist
The Guardian, 30 September 1988
“Cynicism is easy. An optimist is a braver cynic.”
Colum McCann book TransAtlantic
Source: TransAtlantic
Allen C. Guelzo (1953) American historian
"The Reputation of Abraham Lincoln" https://www.c-span.org/video/?298113-1/reputation-abraham-lincoln (12 February 2011), C-SPAN <br class="br">2010s
“Intellectuals are cynical and cynics have never built a cathedral.”
Henry Kissinger (1923–2023) United States Secretary of State
As quoted in Sketchbook 1966-1971 (1971) by Max Frisch, p. 230
1970s
Alex Steffen (1968) American writer and futurist
Go bright green | Review | Guardian Unlimited Books. http://books.guardian.co.uk/review/story/0,,2035002,00.html
“Perhaps my cynicism comes in good time. Better I have it early than too late.”
Sheri S. Tepper (1929–2016) American fiction writer
Source: Singer from the Sea (1999), Chapter 8, “A Proposal and What Followed” (p. 139)
“You're such a cynic," Molly said.
"I think cynics are playful and cute.”
Jim Butcher book Changes
Source: The Dresden Files, Changes (2010), Chapter 6
Context: Molly Carpenter: Wrote the Laws of Magic, founded the White Council, was custodian of one of the Swords and established a stronghold for the Council, too. He must have been something else.
Harry Dresden: He must have been a real bastard. Guys who get their name splashed all over history and folklore don't tend to be Boy Scout troop leaders.
Molly Carpenter: You're such a cynic.
Harry Dresden: I think cynics are playful and cute.