Humility Marks the Line Between Cynicism and Skepticism

Are we cynical? For many of us, the answer is clearly yes. News feeds give us ample reasons for general distrust of the motives of others, for thinking that self-interest is driving the actions of policymakers. Misinformation, conflicts of interest, and an apparent disregard for facts are impossible to ignore. Skepticism is certainly warranted, but cynicism is a dead end, and so the indispensable tool for navigating the fine line between the two is humility.

The Hubris of Influencers

Social media has become a key source of news for much of the population, with more than half of us sometimes or often getting our news from it. Ipsos researchers tell us that young people, in particular, know social media influencers feed them misinformation. And yet, they still trust those influencers.

Apparently, projecting confidence and certitude can be sufficient to attract a big following. Truth is nice to have on your side, but not essential.

Easy Answers

This explains a lot about the ready acceptance of easy answers for nutrition, health, and obesity. RFK Jr has found an audience of MAHA Moms ready to believe that vaccines and food additives can explain chronic disease rising in young people. He promises to zoom in on the “root cause” of obesity and the response from many people is “sounds good.”

Of course, we have seen over and over again that these glib answers to problems with nutrition, obesity, and health don’t prove to be helpful. Or worse, they have unintended consequences – like screening programs that promote weight stigma. Cynicism is a natural response: “It’s all a crock.”

Cultivate Humility

Our suggestion is to sidestep all of this. Reject puffery, cutivate humility and curiosity, and favor skepticism over cynicism. Seek the truth and question anyone who tells you they alone possess it.

Click here for more about the value of hopeful skepticism. For a case study in the value of humility, click here.

The Gleaners, painting by Jean-François Millet / Wikipedia

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May 25, 2025