I still don't understand...

[misanthrope]

...what is so bad about being labeled a "cynic."

According to Merriam-Webster:
Main Entry: cyn·ic
Pronunciation: 'si-nik
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle French or Latin, Middle French cynique, from Latin cynicus, from Greek kynikos, literally, like a dog, from kyn-, kyOn dog —more at HOUND
Date: 1545
1 : capitalized : an adherent of an ancient Greek school of philosophers who held the view that virtue is the only good and that its essence lies in self-control and independence
2 : one who believes that human conduct is motivated by self-interest


Nowhere in there does it say "one who feels mankind cannot rise above a lowly state." That would make one a "pessimist," not a "cynic." Or you could just call them "Republican."

Here's another bit of interest--according to these definitions, many of the philosophers instrumental in shaping Western thought, especially the one worshipped by Christians, are cynics as well.

[Liberal In Texas]

1. Nothing, you're spot on.

I like being a cynic.
And a curmudgeon.

[miss_kitty]

2. Yeah, it's like the oft-misapplied term

'liberal.'

I hate people who sneer when they use those two words.

[frogbison]

3. the glass is less than half full.

I don't operate that way. I'm an anticynic.

Plus, I'm as naive as they come. You tell me something, I'll believe you until it's proven otherwise.

yin/yang
republican/democrat
ass/enlightened one
black/white
old/young
acceptance or rebellion
participation/inaction

[imenja]

5. I always ask for proof

I don't believe it until I see evidence. I'm a Scorpio, it's in my nature. When it comes to politicians, I think it's important not to believe them on face value. I imagine you do too to some degree, or you'd be a Republican.

[misanthrope]

8. That would make you...

...a "skeptic," which is vital to critical thought.

[misanthrope]

6. That doesn't make you...

...an "anti-cynic." That makes you an "optimist."

One has nothing to do with the other. You can be a cynic and still be an optimist.

[imenja]

4. nothing as long as you don't let it keep you from working for change

As long as you don't succumb to defeatism.

[camby]

7. There's nothing wrong with a little cynicism, BUT....

It is my strong belief that MAJOR cynicism among voters is the main reason we are where we are today in this country. Why do voters keep electing candidates who advocate policies that are actually BAD for the people? Because they just figure Oh well, everybody's out for numero uno, might as well vote for someone you know. I have actually had Bushies tell me this when I confront them with some fact that proves how little this man cares about our freedoms. Their response is, "yeah, but all politicians are bad." In other words, why bother to try to change things? CYNICISM leads to APATHY. APATHY leads to where we are today.

[misanthrope]

11. Not necessarily...

...For some, cynicism can lead to activism when they realize that people can't be relied upon to just naturally fall into patterns of behavior that benefit the most number of folks.

Apathy is a cop-out to the selfishness that cynics believe must be battled.

[Lexingtonian]

9. consulting Ambrose Bierce....

CYNIC, n. A blackguard whose faulty vision sees things as they are, not as they ought to be. Hence the custom among the Scythians of plucking out a cynic's eyes to improve his vision.

http://www.fun-with-words.com/devil_c4.html

And there's Bill Maher, who thinks the world suffers from a lack of cynicism.

The popular tongue usage of 'cynic' is the same idea as its use of the phrase 'you're so negative'.

[frogbison]

10. I went for Kucinich

[mcscajun]

12. I started out a cynic...

...and worked my way up to curmudgeon.

It's a proud "label." Like Liberal.

:)

[rucky]

13. Where did you find an online dictionary with etymologies?

Link please!