> > And then there's the much-maligned "not being
> >cynical" option, but I guess that's no fun.
>
> Wait, what? Darien, arguing against cynicism? Dude, you're like one of the most cynical people I know. You're even cynical in THIS VERY POST. Yet you're... arguing... against... cynicism...
>
> My head hurts.

You sir are making the mistake of confusing "cynical" with "sarcastic." I am an exemplar - perhaps the very incarnation - of the latter. I am not particularly cynical.

The first definition given by dictionary.com - and the one I am going by - is "Believing or showing the belief that people are motivated chiefly by base or selfish concerns; skeptical of the motives of others: a cynical dismissal of the politician's promise to reform the campaign finance system." I don't at all agree that that is me, and I don't think it is reflected in my post, which was chiefly saying "how about we try NOT being skeptical of the motives of others and just take things at face value."

The other definitions, in case anyone thinks I'm cherry-picking (I QUESTION YOUR MOTIVES):

- Selfishly or callously calculating: showed a cynical disregard for the safety of his troops in his efforts to advance his reputation.

- Negative or pessimistic, as from world-weariness: a cynical view of the average voter's intelligence.

- Expressing jaded or scornful skepticism or negativity: cynical laughter.

- Believing the worst of human nature and motives; having a sneering disbelief in e.g. selflessness of others