Cynical ramblings

Idealism is the precursor to experience; cynicism is what follows it.

There is so much of truth in this saying. I read it on the internet the other day and I was kind of left pondering about it. Thats exactly what I feel or would rather say, has gone through. Cynicism is definitely the best way to put an end to the huge galore of selfishness and corruption in the society. One can regard a modern day cynic as a social critic whose opinions can help bring some changes in the society. But at the same time, being at the extreme end of cynicism can undo the good and lead to a withdrawn state of affairs for the person in question. More often than not, the word "cynical" is associated with numerous negative qualities like bitterness, angry etc. But that is not what it actually is. Cynicism, in milder terms, can go long ways. Being cynical to a certain extent does work like a defense mechanism against people with wrong intentions but at the same time, this lack of trust may cause the person to miss out on the more delectable things in life.

My ramblings on cynicism would be incomplete without mentioning Holden Caulfield, the protagonist of the novel, The Catcher in the Rye. He is what I would say, a perfect embodiment of phoniness and cynicism. He exemplifies delinquency and is often referred to as an anti-hero. But somehow, there is something about him that really fascinates me to the hilt. Yet to figure out what exactly it is.