"بدبینان نه بار از ده بار درست می‌گویند"

Cynicism often gets a bad reputation, but there's a grain of truth to it that can't be ignored. Essentially, this saying is pointing out that cynics—those people who always expect the worst or believe that others are motivated by selfishness—tend to be accurate most of the time. They see through the fluff and get to the heart of the matter, which is usually less rosy and more self-serving than we might like to admit.

Think about it: humans have a knack for self-interest, and many actions are driven by hidden agendas. This isn't a new idea. Even in ancient Greece, philosophers like Diogenes were famous for their cynical worldviews, cutting through the lies and pretenses of society. They were the ones pointing out the emperor's new clothes—or lack thereof—and their skepticism often proved justified.

Let's bring this to life with a real-world example. Imagine you're at work and there's an announcement about a new company policy that, on the surface, seems to be for the employees' benefit. It promises more flexible working hours and additional perks. The cynic in the office rolls their eyes and mutters something about the company just trying to save money on office space. A few months down the line, it turns out they were right—the new policy is part of a move to downsize and cut costs. While everyone else was optimistic, the cynic saw the underlying motive, which was less about employee well-being and more about the bottom line.

So, how can we apply this wisdom in our daily lives without becoming bitter or jaded? It’s a balancing act. We don't want to walk around expecting the worst all the time, but a healthy dose of skepticism can be beneficial. Before jumping on board with the latest trend or believing every piece of good news, take a moment to question the motives and possible outcomes. Ask yourself, "What's the catch?" or "Who benefits the most from this?" It’s a way to protect yourself from being too naïve.

Now, picture this: You're about to invest in a friend's new business venture. It sounds fantastic, and they’re passionate about it. But before you enthusiastically throw in your savings, you decide to channel your inner cynic. You ask tough questions about the business plan, the market research, and the financial projections. You discover some red flags that need addressing. Maybe the plan isn't as solid as it seems. By being a bit skeptical, you steer clear of potential loss and can make a more informed decision.

This idea of the cynics being right most of the time might feel like a downer, but it’s also empowering. It’s a reminder to stay sharp and not take everything at face value. Think of it like this: you’re not just guarding yourself against deception, but you’re also honing your ability to see things as they truly are—warts and all. It’s not about losing faith in humanity but about being wise enough to question and smart enough to listen when something doesn’t add up.