Are You A Cynic or Just a Jerk?

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Cynicism: A Philosophy for Trolls?
Cynics are often seen as buzz-kills hell bent on ruining everything. But what if cynics not only have a philosophical point, but could actually point us towards a more radical way of life? We’ll explain in this video: Do We Need Cynics?
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=== Watch More Episodes! ===
Everything Sucks Now ► • Everything Sucks Now
Nihilism: Are We Missing The Point? ► • Nihilism: Are We Missi...
How Work Controls You ► • How Work Controls You
Written by Michael Burns
Researched by Michael Lodato
Hosted by Michael Burns
Directed by Michael Luxemburg
Edited by Henry Arrambide
Produced by Olivia Redden
Music courtesy of Epidemic Sound
#cynicism #stoicism #philosophy
© 2023 Wisecrack / Omnia Media, Inc. / Enthusiast Gaming

[@cynthiasonier5142]

Cynicism is popular because grindset bros are too proud to call it what it is; depression.

[@Seamussor]

One of the best comments I have seen on KZbin.

[@novakthegodking]

There was a great bit on cumtown that resonates with this "I'm not depressed... I'm just self-pissed!"

[@LuisSierra42]

Sigma males don't get depressed

[@tguthrie6]

Cant it be both?

[@ahmetdogan5685]

Cynisme was around when there was no concept of depression. Get real bro!

[@ColbyWanShinobi]

The opinion "Don't complain unless you can think of a better alternative" is ALWAYS exclusively held by people happy with the status quo. I've never heard that said by someone who is actively being exploited.

[@dontmisunderstand6041]

The annoying part is that they then off-handedly refute the notion that you DO have better alternatives to suggest. They're not saying it because they mean it, they're saying it so you stop saying things they don't want to hear.

[@dvdrtrgn]

always exclusively? I’ve heard exploited persons say stop whining. I get your point but hyperbole doesn’t sharpen it

[@alexxx4434]

We can think of a better alternative, but it's made taboo by status quo elite.

[@dontmisunderstand6041]

@@dvdrtrgn "Stop whining" is quite different from "don't complain unless you can think of a better alternative". "Life sucks but I'm tired of hearing about it" is a sentiment a lot of the less fortunate hold. Thing is, those people do usually know how to fix the problem. They just lack the power and influence to do so.

[@rustyshackle917]

​@@dontmisunderstand6041in my experience, they lack the will and courage to do anything. Most are lazy cowards who are easily pacified with beer and tv.

[@mr.pavone9719]

There's definitely a difference between cynics and wet blankets. A cynic will have something to say beyond their criticism. A wet blanket just wants to shit on things and end the conversation.

[@lowking7235]

Exactly

[@dontmisunderstand6041]

I think you've misunderstood criticism at its core. Criticism is not just saying "this bad". Criticism is saying "this can be improved by addressing these specific problems".

[@MasterTheSwag]

​@@dontmisunderstand6041I think he addresses this in the video, that criticism requires specificism and ideas for another way. With that in mind I also agree there is a difference between cynicism and being a wet blanket.

[@bazzfromthebackground3696]

​@@dontmisunderstand6041You know you can criticize without being a cynic or wet blanket? I don't think the one is exclusive to the other.

[@silentm999]

Do they carry around the wet blanket to clean the shit?

[@cobracommander8133]

Diogenes was an absolute legend.

[@juanmansego6267]

He, was a total dog

[@cobracommander8133]

@@juanmansego6267 Indubitably!

[@fernandoorozco5968]

Agree

[@SeanSchwifty]

You’re on the right track.. But more on the “myth” side 😜

[@JackSparrow-re4ql]

The Tetris movie was great. And all the idiots at wisecrack know nothing about tetris, the tetris community, the actual true story of tetris as compared to real life, or much of anything else. If anyone doubts this; here's a video by aGameScout on the tetris movie. Don't listen to these Wisecrack idiots! m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/gIiWoKSpgZ6BZ7M You guys suck! You have your heads so far up your asses you make generalizations and blanket statements about everything. You've turned from a philosophy channel into a business; much like the corporate entities you pretend to shoot down!

[@kevinmcqueenie7420]

Probably apocryphal, but Diogenes telling Alexander the Great to “stand out of my sun” when asked if he wanted anything, is a baller move. Also bringing a plucked chicken to the government building and saying “behold, Plato’s man!” Dude was hilarious!

[@FuzzCheck]

That was Diogenes? I didn't know that. I heard about the story but I thought that was only like an anegdote.

[@hgurov]

Also walking around in broad daylight holding a lantern, and when asked what the hell is the point, he used to answer: I'm looking for wise people. And if a smartass would tell him to stop, since he found one he'd beat them with a stick.

[@dyonesios]

My favorite is actually when he walked around wearing a loin cloth and carrying only a bowl for 10 years. Then after a decade got super pissed because he sees someone drinking from cupped hands and decides he's been so burdened this whole time for nothing.

[@morgengabe1]

Imo, he was the goat that other greek philosophers could only wish to manifest.

[@Koropokel]

this never happened and is a myth

[@jeremygilbert7989]

I'm disappointed there wasn't even a passing mention of George Carlin here. He was the the best of both worlds, he questioned absolutely everything but he also offered plenty of solutions. Granted, they may have been insane solutions but solutions nonetheless lol.

[@andersonandrighi4539]

He was not a stoic nor he was cynical. He was a non conformist in the line of Voltaire and Rousseau. He was closer to what a socialist would propose but because he lived and performed most of his carreer during the Cold War he had to step back in some of his satires. Keep in mind he is part of the counter culture a.k.a. hippie movement.

[@chloemchll3774]

@@andersonandrighi4539 technically, he is older than the hippies; he was more of a beatnik who was late to the party and ended up with hippie appeal because both groups were counter culture. But I agree he is neither truly a stoic (clearly) or a cynic (less clearly).

[@repoman182]

George Carlin used to say scratch a cynic and what you'll find under the surface is a disappointed idealist

[@jeremygilbert7989]

@@repoman182 Precisely

[@jeremygilbert7989]

You'd be hard pressed to describe Carlin as non-cynical. He questioned everyone and everything and called out anything he perceived as bullshit immediately. He often spoke about how much better the world would be if people put more emphasis on desiring the simple things in life instead of an endless stream of material goods to placate our stupid brains until it was time to consume even more material goods, classic cynicism. As for stoicism, it's a philosophy built on self discipline and acting virtuously and those were also both tenants Carlin espoused as well. He generally contended that one should do good to all those that deserve such treatment and give nothing to those who would abuse such compassion. Stoics also minimize the emphasis on material possessions in favor of a focus on self improvement which is also classic Carlin. I could go on but then this would become a dissertation.

[@MelodicQuest]

I legit cried during Guardians 3. Some of the best performances, CGI, and full-circle character arcs in the entire MCU.

[@carlosrangel6359]

Agree, it was sooo good!

[@GabeThaGoober]

I cried too

[@EricGranata]

🦝 🥺

[@KickstandOptional]

"Floor" bro I am weeping

[@EricGranata]

@@KickstandOptional godamn 😢

[@WikiSorcerer]

So in other words: Ancient Cynicism is "Skepticism", while Modern Cynicism is "Pessimism."

[@DrRorchark]

It's a good take but I would put it like: Ancient Cynicism goes along with skepticism while Moder Cynicism functions with pessimism

[@LuisSierra42]

Modern Cynicism is being an edgelord

[@FGP_Pro]

@@LuisSierra42 I agree, modern cynicism is lazy people's attempt to be intellectual. Rather than doing the work, the research, they think it is smart to automatically assume everything is corrupt. And, that is the defining characteristic of cynicism, the belief that everything is corrupt. Pessimism is just the belief that things are not going to work out well. I am a pessimist, not a cynic.

[@alexxx4434]

Ancient cynicism was an ideology of misfits, they basically questioned and rejected social norms. Modern cynicism is part skepticism part pessimism.

[@sorejack]

@@LuisSierra42 says the troll drawing a character of people that bother them so as to minimize and dismiss the validity of anything they might say. id be more inclined to think your a cringe edgelord with this statement.

[@pennywaldrip3774]

Guardians of the Galaxy 3 was the last legit good MCU movie. I'm not budging on that. My favorite Tom Green bit was when he said Drew Barrymore got the "successful movie career" in the divorce settlement.

[@chujiwu68]

Same on Guardians of the Galaxy 3. It rocked.

[@bobstar2683]

Yep agreed

[@johnstajduhar9617]

And that’s probably because they let James Gunn have a lot of creative control over the Guardians of the Galaxy films and find a real heart in those stories over time. They have their own kind of tone separate from the by-the-numbers Marvel films.

[@orbis17]

I agree, I basically can't stand marvel movies, but guardians 3 kinda feels very removed from that universe and was just a decent movie in its own right.

[@TheCognitiveDissident]

I came here to say exactly this. Guardians 3 was one of the most enjoyable and emotionally riveting movies that I’ve seen in a long time. The only recent movie I’ve maybe enjoyed more was Dungeons and Dragons.

[@ubertrashcat]

Stoicism and Cynicism actually complement each other. Stoicism teaches you how to find yourself and live well, Cynicism teaches you how to establish yourself as a social agent and make the world a better place. But both need to be well understood.

[@Namisar]

My favorite Tom Green bit was when he tricked a movie studio into giving him money to make a movie. 'Freddie got Fingered' is just Tom Green seeing how far he can take it before the money runs out and the studio tells him no.

[@marinamaddox6285]

It's my favorite movie

[@bambi1611]

Diogenes is by far the ancient philosopher I resonated with the most

[@diandradurand891]

Guardians of the Galaxy 3 was actually a really emotional and well rounded end to the this group of guardians. If you love animals, it really touches you hard. I cried a few times watching it

[@DhruvMonga]

Just make sure you don't touch animals hard

[@Maryxus]

Tom Green is definitely one of the reasons why I'm such an absurd weirdo. I got a double whammy of him and Freakazoid at the same time 😅

[@Choleric-Leo]

Lay off the poor beavers, will ya?!

[@thebigdawgj]

Gutiérrez goes through random items trying to find F!'s weakness. "Well, what is your weakness then?" [Time skip] "Dumb, dumb, dumb! Never tell your enemy how to trap you in a cage!" "You probably shouldn't have helped build the cage, either." "I know! Dumb!"

[@Maryxus]

@@thebigdawgj 🤣 This is me, talking to my past self, every time I put my phone down instead of into my pocket

[@Democrities]

The Tom Green bit where he goes around with a Pizza trying to undersell a pizza delivery guy is unironically hilarious

[@BenjamenMcCauley]

Undercutters Pizza!

[@SuperEbbandflow]

I'm stuck between Undercutters and the Subway bit for my all time favorite 😅

[@tylerkolota]

We need to petition Wisecrack to get more former Burns students in the comments with embarrassing stories

[@DJtheLoaf]

My favorite bit I remember from Tom Green was when he painted a terrible amateurish painting, then snuck it into the collection of an actual art museum, and then would take the guided tours of that art museum and when they'd get to his painting, he'd loudly declare how much he thought that particular painting sucked, and would try to deface it with a marker.

[@QuasarSniffer]

It's always millionaires and billionaires who lecture on "know when you have enough" and "your problems are of your own creation."

[@WackadoodleMalarkey]

When's the last time anyone sought the opinions of someone living under a bridge?

[@dyonesios]

Ya, because there are certain values and mindsets that enable you to make a million dollars 😂

[@morgengabe1]

@@dyonesios clearly they've panned out fruitfully for our species...

[@michaelh13]

Epictetus was a slave, and he’s one of the authors of the stoic canon

[@morgengabe1]

@@WackadoodleMalarkey sounds like a question someone who didn't understand anything Diogenes said at all would ask tbh. If you wanna play kiss the ring, that's your business. Not a basis for sound decision making, let alone an entire ideology

[@HotelMari0Maker]

I recently took a note from Diogenes and started living in my car to not be tied to rent leases. It has its challenges but all in all it’s quite liberating!

[@alexc5156]

In my personal experience. I was a cynic in my 20s. Then ended up going to therapy. I'd be considered a stoic now...There's a story there but I'm tired. Just wanted to help with engagement

[@johntaylor9381]

I like stoicism and read stoic philosophy often and I’ve tried to implement stoic philosophy into my daily life. My main criticism of stoicism is the modern interpretation of the philosophy as a sort of path to success. You read the books and you take cold showers and wake up at 4 am and stop masturbating and grind grind grind like there’s no tomorrow and then you’ll be successful. Of course, success isn’t the goal (or they say it isn’t) but the message is clear: stoicism will make you rich and successful. And then you’re told that when you’re successful you shouldn’t be preoccupied it’s your success, but success is still the goal. Which is too bad because I think it has a lot to offer the regular person. A lot of philosophy is incredible but a bit too deep and inaccessible to regular folk. Stoicism is very easy to understand and implement in your life. I like the press it gets but I don’t like the Sigma male mindset it’s often associated with. It’s like being a Christian and cringing at the Crusades. Like, dude, you’re missing the point!

[@alexxx4434]

Stoicism falls neatly into neo-liberal hyper-individualistic agenda. Be a good little robot and emotionlessly grind your work no matter how shit it is. Stoicism is appropriated and exploited by modern capitalism.

[@om5621]

i don't think stoicism has anything to do with getting rich and successful in any way

[@johntaylor9381]

@@om5621 I agree. I feel the modern, book selling, rise and grind Stoicism does though.

[@jamesembrey3100]

As long as humans lie for their own benefit, cynicism will be not only relevant, but necessary, to avoid yourself and others being victimized at every turn by the self interested element in all of us.

[@BridgeTROLL777]

humans are inherently and irrevocably self interested. Every action taken by any human is fundamentally always selfish and that is "good" because it has been benefiscial in our evolution. So yes cynicism, skepticism etc.. is a useful pov for all to survive. But beyond that practical application cynicism, nihilism and egoism are useful concepts to understand reality and people in it. Nihilism, absent of god or magic is the only objectively true depiction of the nature of universe and ethics. Being "moral" is meaningless beyond self interest, there is no obejective good, evil, right wrong. Universe doesnt care and besides scientific world view tells us that we have no free will anyway so moral agency is impossibility even if "magic" existed. Egoism is the only moral theory that accurately describes peoples stated "morals" and behaviour, which are always rooted in self interest... What do people seek? Happiness and contentment to satiate their hedonistic needs. Cynicism allows individual to peel the lies that are spoon fed to us by culture and understand the true nature of things.

[@LateStageCap]

Or do better

[@BridgeTROLL777]

@@LateStageCap what is better and from whose point of view? Lying, deceiving and even violence is sometimes the better option for the individual or for the collective group. It would be naive and deluded to claim otherwise.

[@alexxx4434]

In the current world you are either cynic or naive, no 3rd option.

[@RandomPerson28337]

True

[@jenniferbunds5230]

I was in middle school during peak Tom Green. I can’t pick a favorite bit, but there’s one I love where they leave Glenn at some crappy motel with a fruit basket he doesn’t want. I have not been able to find a video of this one online. 😢

[@jerrys.9895]

To be fair and balanced, it seems like anytime you look more than one link deep into any person or organization that at face value seems worthwhile, it's nearly inevitable that you're going to uncover some awful horrible thing they've done or said that undermines the potential good they are attempting to do.

[@covle9180]

To push back on that slightly, the world is a messy place. We've all done shitty things in our pasts. We should definitely judge people on the sum of their actions, but even if that sum isn't very great, we can still appreciate the good that comes out of their actions.

[@MasterTheSwag]

I agree mostly. I would just add that some bad things done in the past hold much more weight than others. Some bad thing, given it isn't absolutely awful, does not a bad person make.

[@bazzfromthebackground3696]

Good thing cynicism isn't a person or organization then I guess?

[@axelbrackeniers5488]

@@covle9180yes but corporations and governments can do insane amounts of damage while individuals usually just hurt a few people with their bad actions. Plus these corporations and governments usually have a board of 20+ people that make the decision. Meaning all of those 20 people all agreed on a very bad action.

[@thenightwatchman1598]

@@covle9180 intent matters. just because someone fed the homeless doesn't excuse their child sex trafficing and ethics is not a fucking math equation either like in fallout 3.

[@vitoria.no.c]

Too “radical” for mainstream. Let’s imagine a new reality that if you want to prep your own meals you have the time and ability to acquire quality ingredients. Great video as always! Let’s feed this algorithm.

[@michaelh13]

3 million subscribers on KZbin. Wisecrack IS mainstream.

[@chloemchll3774]

Guardians 3 and Across the Spiderverse are both not merely good but excellent. I generally think the backlash against Marvel is overblown (as bad as Thor 4 was, it was still miles better than Thor 2, for example) but regardless of that backlash, these two movies are genuinely excellent.

[@enocloke24]

Does spiderverse really count as MCU tho?

[@rlindsay-kipp6239]

G3 was alright and across the spiderverse isn't marvel but Sony literally from the spiderverse this includes morbius and venom.

[@chloemchll3774]

@@enocloke24 I debated including it, but pretty sure it has the Marvel logo as part of its credits sequence at the beginning, and I believe Marvel has at least a little input. But if you want to exclude it as more of its own unique entity I totally get that.

[@derekeidum1307]

I agree, I've been rewatching the old MCU movies and in comparison the recent "bad" ones are really just average. The "problem" is that they were killing it for a while with Infinity War, Ragnorok, Endgame, GOTG 1&2, Black Panther, Dr. Strange, so now the bar is set very high and "just average" is considered a major letdown. GOTG3 was fantastic either way.

[@chloemchll3774]

@@derekeidum1307 I agree. I think people got so used to almost every movie being at least good if not great starting w Winter Soldier and running through Endgame that getting a string of movies that were merely decent felt disappointing.

[@johnstajduhar9617]

My favorite Tom Green bit was the fancy restaurant fight in Freddy Got Fingered. It's like a fever dream version of "that" scene from every movie around the time.

[@liberalcynic]

Diogenes plucked an entire chicken to falsify Plato’s definition of a human as a featherless biped.

[@kaceysmith5364]

My favorite Tom Green bit was when he lugged around a container of grape juice, drinking it while ‘pissing’ into another container. Then he continues the cycle by drinking the piss and turning it into grape juice.

[@WisecrackEDU]

We didn’t deserve Tom Green.

[@tysonbrinacombe]

it was for science

[@MisterJtheGamer]

I'd really love to see you guys talk about absurdism similarly to this video.

[@Choleric-Leo]

My favorite Tom Green bit was his appearance on Clone High as himself for the ADD episode. In particular the scene where he falls out of the library window.

[@golddeagle7]

I was never a student of Michael's but hes the best teacher for me... his voice can teach me all day soft yet strong.

[@TheSquirrelChaser]

"If only it were as easy to banish hunger by rubbing my belly." 🤣🤣🤣

[@onhazrat]

🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation: 00:00 🤨 Cynicism is often associated with a critical and negative perspective on various aspects of life, such as politics, movies, or celebrities. 01:07 🤔 The video explores whether cynicism is a relevant philosophy or just an excuse for being judgmental. 03:16 💡 Cynicism is compared to stoicism, with the former being criticized for tearing down ideas without offering replacements. 05:24 📜 Ancient cynicism, as practiced by figures like Diogenes, involved challenging social norms and encouraging ethical change in listeners. 10:47 🏛️ Cynicism can serve as a form of creative refusal, rejecting social conventions to create space for new norms and social communities. 18:33 🤷‍♂️ Cynicism is less marketable as a self-help tool compared to stoicism, as it challenges the value of societal norms and efficiency. Ancient philosophies like cynicism and stoicism raise questions about their relevance in modern life. Made with HARPA AI

[@danielsantiagourtado3430]

Love the new thumpnail! Really encapsulated the video! You guys rock!🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@Crazael]

4:45 For me, the definition of "Good movie" is "Movie that I enjoyed", so yeah.

[@spiderwithay6679]

Guardians 3, and the whole trilogy, are legit good to great movies. Though 2 is probably still the best.

[@dontmisunderstand6041]

Guardians 2 sucks. It's a movie that walks back most of the meaningful character narratives of the previous movie while providing very little of actual value to justify it. It just re-tells the story of the first Guardians movie in an inferior manner.

[@TheVerendus]

One of the few identities I subscribe to is the cynic. I will always be cynical, always have been. To question is to live! Question everything, poke and prod until the truth comes out. Nothing is what it seems, never accept anything at face value.

[@alexxx4434]

You describe skepticism.

[@TheVerendus]

@@alexxx4434 Cynicism is skepticism applied to human nature.

[@oisindowling7085]

One benefit I think can only be delivered by a cynical outlook is seeing through the “orphan crushing machine” narratives. When stories seem heartwarming, a bit of negativity is needed to see the ugly truth behind it. Granted, positivity also has its place. The ideal is probably a healthy balance of both and become wise: knowing when to be positive and when to be negative and how to use both in proportion

[@jessiehawkins77]

Tom Green's stand-up just a few years ago where he recounted his experience on the celebrity apprentice with a then blooming Trump was one of his best performances. It was removed from his abrasive cynicism that made him famous in his youth but it was interesting to see him on stage within sort of a post Tom Green perspective

[@callofgears91]

Hey Wisecrack, I really miss your philosophical analysis of pop culture media, I really hope we get a “The philosophy of Barbie” or maybe a Deep or Dumb of it, I’m pretty sure it’s worthy to talk about

[@partywolf85]

If Holiday was actually a stoic, he wouldn't shoot video of himself taking notes. Like holy shit, talk about vanity.

[@tuckerstewart5138]

careful with your strawman's there.

[@partywolf85]

@@tuckerstewart5138 lol no

[@tuckerstewart5138]

@@partywolf85 fair enough.

[@canucktunes]

As a resident of Ottawa I was introduced to Tom Green early, on his program on Rogers community cable. 🙂

[@PhilMccamley]

I had a philosophy teacher who loved to shout during his lectures so that he was sure we would be all ears, it was actually kind of refreshing

[@danielsantiagourtado3430]

4:40 No way Home and Wakanda forever! The latter was pretty good but That crossover was on a whole other level!🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤❤❤

[@generaljellyroll8737]

I would love to see the "R" rated origin story of Oscar the grouch. How did he end up in a trash can and did have anything to do with Regan? God damn it I do have a Freddy got F story. My friend was at his moms but his dad grounded him and I was over. We hear the car pull in while we watching this movie. I hid in one of rooms and they let him in. That movie was playing and they all sat down to watch it. I didn't get to see this particular scene but apparently there was an elephant and it was worse than the hotdogs on strings when playing the key board. He said "What are you watching?" and they played it off like this was normal but that movie was not like other movies. Now that I think about it Tom Green my have been a pioneer on the frontier driven by the love of money and fame. Idk if he knew but he did leave and came out and everything was fine.

[@chloemchll3774]

Pretty sure Oscar was in the can before Reagan was President, but if you can prove Sesame St is in California perhaps you can blame it on his turn as governor there?

[@JudesVlogs]

Could y’all do a video on Bruce Lee’s philosophy of JKD? I use his principles which have a basis in Zen and Buddhism, but I think these principles are a practical way to look at the world and how we interact in it.

[@Stormreaver1000]

Will you provide a Reading list please? On Diogenes and Ancient Cynicism/Stoicism. It's easy to find the works of; Plato, Socrates, Suntzu, Nietzsche, and Macavely as an introduction into philosophy, but it feels like Diogenes and Zeno thoughts have been lost in a River of Grifters. Do you/y'all have any recommendations, both deep dives and introductions (that I can pass along to those who'll listen?). Thank you for reading my comment! "If only I could satisfy Hunger just by rubbing my stomach."... Or something like that

[@danielsantiagourtado3430]

Your videos are always awesome michael! 🎉🎉🎉🎉😊😊😊😊

[@JefferyBlue]

"Tom Green can hump a dead moose." That's it. That's the best moment in Tom Green's career. A mention by Eminem.

[@sammyvictors2603]

That movie was very Dadaist.

[@kellanaldous7092]

Without a doubt, the Tom Green Show skit that I remember most is the one where he has all the statues put in his parents yard depicting "things from his childhood." One of his father like shaking his fist in the air and his mom cowering, he says "This one is called 'Where's My Dinner, Bi***." His dad is like "Tom that never happened."

[@nishidohellhillsruler6731]

How in the Optimus Prime did Tom Green got to date Drew Barrymore?

[@lukashawley2133]

Only a few minutes through the video and im already imaging people in 500 years thinking of Eric Andre as a modern day Diogenes. Edit: and I think both people would find that idea hilarious.

[@ronalddepesa6221]

Infinity War. Infinity War is not only a very very good MCU film it's a very very good film overall. Like academy award caliber film from the story telling, characters, drama, arch, revelations, amazing acting and cliff hanger ending. Infinity War is by far not only a good MCU film, I submit the BEST MCU film and will go down as an all time great film.

[@chloemchll3774]

But you don’t give similar props to Endgame? I mean, I’ll agree Infinity War is probably slightly better, but Endgame lands the story so well, especially how Tony and Steve finally reach the end of their stories by borrowing something they initially resented in the other (Steve becomes a little selfish going back to have a life with Peggy, while Tony makes the big sacrifice Steve always doubted he was willing to make). I also thought the way they treated Thor’s depression and PTSD was very realistic (for better and worse) and the scene between Clint and Nat when they are fighting to save the other and sacrifice themselves instead is a perfect balance demonstrating what real love looks like in the aftermath of Thanos’s abusive love of Gamora ending in his murdering her for his goals. Plus who didn’t cheer when we saw Captain pick up Mjolnir and squeal like a 8 year old when Cap finally gets an “Avengers Assemble” off with basically every actor in hollywood playing a signficant character in the mix. Lastly, you have the juxtapositions of the two versions of Thanos that I really love. Specifically, I think Endgame Thanos only loses because seeing the success of Infinity War Thanos makes him overconfident. There’s just so much great balance between those two stories that I can’t really picture only one as great- they both are and both should have been Academy Award nominees.

[@ronalddepesa6221]

@@chloemchll3774 I LOVE Endgame. Absolutely loved when Cap became worthy. Seeing all the MCU at once kicking ass. Tony's sacrifice. Etc. I just like Infinity War Better. I loved Thanos and the brutal ending when half the Avengers disappeared. Gamoras sacrifice. Loki's brutal sacrifice. Not a dry eye in the house when Spiderman evaporated.

[@chloemchll3774]

@@ronalddepesa6221 I can’t argue with that. I’ve probably seen Infinity War at least 5x and the scene when everyone gets dusty just kills me, especially Peter and the way he is begging not to go because he knows exactly what’s about to happen. My only gripe with calling Infinity War the clearly better movie is that to me, it feels incomplete without Endgame, and that Endgame managed to do some awesome moments even before Cap is worthy and the big final all out battle. Something like the Cap fighting Cap scene is one of my absolute favorites in the MCU (perfectly capped with “that is America’s ass”.) While not exactly the same, it is sort of like picking the better Kill Bill film- the whole point is the story is not just one movie.

[@johncorvo5520]

"Learned Optimism" by Martin E. P. Seligman defined cynicism differently. There is a difference between optimism and pessimism; each saw the world as either better or worse than reality. The cynical people saw it AS IT REALLY WAS. In test/experiments, the cynics were spot on their assessments of the situation. That's there value. They don't let you pile the b*****t on and get away with it.

[@yourfriendlyinternetmeatshield]

Nah, that was a very smooth transition to patreon pitching

[@cmilla111]

I am a cynic and often have the mindset that the only people who are happy are those who are simply dumb or not paying attention. But I like to think that whenever I am being a debby downer, it is coming from the right place. I’m not trying to make people feel uneducated or convince them they should be less happy. I like to think I use it as a reminder to especially younger generations that you have to work for happiness and even those who deserve it don’t always get it. I remind people how shitty life and people can be so they can be ready if it ever happens to them.

[@alexxx4434]

Only people in delusion can be happy in the modern society.

[@thenightwatchman1598]

why do you put that duty all on your shoulders? a bit egotistical if i do say so myself. as if you were the first person with that idea and no one listens to them.

[@methos4866]

I'm a cynic because that's just how i look at the world and it's not something i can simply turn off or ignore. Sometimes i wish i could just look at the world through a happy filter, i've tried but i just can't.

[@tylerhackner9731]

Cynicism is a reflexive thing some people use

[@BenCowles]

Laughed my head off at the "while I sprayed my pet penguins with champagne" line.

[@evanauger6574]

Don’t know how could you make that MCU comment when the last one was Guadians 3

[@Mr.Coffee576]

Cynicism is a self defense mechanism.

[@me0101001000]

I disagree. I see Cynicism as a filter for, for a lack of better words, bullshit.

[@dangerfly]

What are they defending against? Disappointment?

[@NUCLEARDASH]

@@dangerfly "they"? What are you being right now while making this question, mate?

[@dangerfly]

@@NUCLEARDASH It's fine to be cynical if you're accurate. The alternative is far worse.

[@MisterCynic18]

Personally I'm of the opinion that cynicism is the respite of a failed optimist.

[@me0101001000]

In science and in martial arts, cynicism is the name of the game. Question and scrutinize everything, but when proven otherwise, you politely accept that this new idea is valid. In my mind, cynicism is stoicism's younger, more misunderstood sibling. But the way I see it, cynicism and nihilism are not grimdark doomer philosophy.

[@thenightwatchman1598]

any examples why? oh wait. this is just a soapbox comment. why do i bother.... i took the whitepill ages ago....

[@thefatfella]

Tom Green "accidentally" releasing his assistant's phone number was my favorite bit. Was it real? Was it staged? I don't know and I refuse to look into it because middle school aged me would be disappointed by either answer.

[@Xankek]

I find a lot of ease of mind in the classic stoic and budhist philosophies, but the stoic tendancy of resignation towards oppressive systems is one of the main reasons i will never call myself a stoic.

[@jamesembrey3100]

Cynicism is just a fancy word for “I’m aware that every single person is to some degree a self interested liar.”

[@w2quick]

oh so you came here just to give a good insight on the topic for free? you're just commenting here to promote the better understanding of the topic out of good will? you're not even thinking about the small dopamine you'll get if you receive a couple of likes? not even once you thought about how nice it would be if someone praised your comment and you had a small boost of morale? sure bud, sure...

[@jamesembrey3100]

@@w2quick dude, breathe. Of course, I love likes. The hope is for this to be a mutual transaction, I want to give an interesting comment, and I enjoy knowing it is in fact interesting. What I’m NOT doing is trying to sell you something you do not need. I have no shop, no only fans, nothing to sell. I’m good bro. I’m happy knowing someone got a kick out of something I farted out on the toilet at work.

[@dontmisunderstand6041]

@@w2quick I mean, it's what I do. I can't really relate to the mindset of people who don't, but I do at least understand the notion conceptually. It's worth remembering that not everyone is like you, and not everyone is the same. I was born with my brain wired wrong and can't be motivated by self-interest. It's a major problem, in truth. Even basic survival impulses just don't work... I suppose my point is that the world is a much bigger place than you might think.

[@italorossid]

Glen Humplink doing hungover acrobatics and Tom Green telling him not to throw up on the mangos. When Tom woke him up that day, he said "it's dream come true time" and that phrase has never left my brain since.

[@WisecrackEDU]

Glen! The world’s ultimate sidekick.

[@tyvuong4314]

Holy shit I laughed so god damn hard when you pitched the discord Patreon group right after the critique against it! Nice work team.

[@matthewgilbert9881]

My wife, who taught primary age kids for 12 years, now works as a corporate trainer and the main (senior) trainer she works with used to be a professor of Spanish Literature. At a recent training, my wife mentioned that she needs to use notes when presenting and her coworker was trying to present ideas to wean her off of the notes. To me, this was a perfect example of why most professors aren’t really teachers. My wife, who was hired because she excels at teaching, said what tools she needed to do a good job, and the professor began explaining why she should actually not be using those tools and should try to be more like the professor.

[@daemoneko]

both stoicism and cynicism have their specific roles tbh 'your problems are of your own creation, look inward for solutions' don't make sense as a solution to someone who's literally starving due to systemic problems but they are somewhat the necessary lessons for people who keep chasing the corporate ladder and promotions, despite earning enough to meet their basic needs, but are just unable to let go of that societal expectations to chase wealth

[@MahraiZiller]

I just want to be like my dog, really - which is where cynicism comes from. Odd to have an episode on cynicism and not mention that. But, all-in-all, not a bad addition to the videos describing cynicism and placing it in a modern context. Quite a good one, really. Still weird that it left out all the stuff about dogs and homelessness. It was pretty key to what Diogenes was getting at. But I have never seen one of the non-homeless explain it all in terms I fully understand it. Not even the good ones, like yourself. 2 decades of homelessness opens your mind to Diogenes and cynicism in a way that you just don’t get without it. It’s the double-edged sword - great enlightenment, shit living conditions. But yeah, I do think it’s cute when I meet anyone who’s not been on the street describe themselves as a cynic, or try to define cynicism (this isn’t about you, I don’t know your circumstances and don’t want to assume anything, it’s just something I’ve found when talking to people about this).

[@matthewgilbert9881]

The intros to the ads have been absolutely priceless the last few videos

[@meanmaorinz]

Antman Quantumania loved it. Couldn't stop laughing at M.O.D.O.K. When Kang gave Antman a physical beat down at the end had me like ooh, ahhh that looks like it hurts. Great movie filled me with joy 😊

[@optimumfilms]

Tom Greens ,"Bit(#, where's my dinner?! Statue" Sketch was hilarious!

[@thenobody0817]

"My face is on the bus...bus cant move because my face is touching the bus" Love that tom green bit

[@teachersean6751]

The Tom Green skit where he's asking the old man where he's going always spoke to me.

[@jesusmark3872]

One of the best times of my life was living on the streets of Atlanta in Jan. And dumpster diving for food. The best to me were bakeries and pizzerias

[@lanegeorgeton8266]

Channel has been becoming better for me inthe last few years. Thx

[@self-absorbed5269]

I use to use vain perception as a shield to avoid grief , held me back for years. If you're always looking at a shield , then that is all you see.

[@EmperorPilaf04]

Not only did I memorize all the words to the bum bum song, but I remember when it hit #1 on TRL randomly 😂 I was obsessed with Tom Green in my adolescence

[@JustayoungBBCliving]

I’m a football fan, Dele Alli just came out about his struggles with mental health and his past abuse, on the comment section it’s just full Cynical people😂😂 Who hurt these people it would be more productive not to say anything at all

[@user-yu2cl6xs3p]

Cynical to me hold some truth that we can’t hold on things forever yet is seems so lazy sometimes to even try or make changes to me that is selfish socially and also harmful to society

[@morgengabe1]

It's crazy how modern culture has all but eviscerated Diogenes. It's the pursuit of the best answers, and discouraging others from allowing themselves to fall short of it.

[@bradleycaffee4253]

"Self-help" is a modern term, yet there were ancient antecedents. Cynicism, Stoicism and Epicureanism were all such antecedents. While originating in the Classical Period, their followings grew most afterward, during the Hellenistic Period. That was for good reason. The world seemed increasingly chaotic to the ancient Greek city-states as their economies declined within the Mother Country itself. People turned increasingly away from civics and towards improvement of the Self. "Cynicism" means something like "to live as a dog." Diogenes represented that well, indeed. The idea was to inure one's self to hardship and disappointment. In doing so, hardship and disappointment become easier to take. Toughen up, butter cup. The importance of questioning traditional authority was in the fact that traditional authority rested on, and promoted unreasonable expectations for most people. Among the ancient Cynics, there was no inclination to launch revolutionary, democratic movements. The whole point of "cosmopolitanism" was to challenge the cherished idea of city-state particularism. That was yet another standard of traditional authority in the city-states. As far as "bro-ness" goes, that's attitudinal. It can be attached haphazardly to any doctrine of self-empowerment. That's because our concept of masculinity is tightly wedded to a sense of social dominance. (This was even more so true among the ancient Greeks, btw.)

[@intellectually_lazy]

how can someone propose solutions without evaluating the problem? that's like saying you shouldn't eat eggs; you should only eat omlets

[@branchDerridian]

I've always wanted someone to do a Trueanon style deep dive into Ryan Holiday. Not the he or that stoics in general don't have interesting or helpful things to say, but the Stoicism empire he's built for himself always struck me as a (ironically) cynical grift.

[@iExploder]

I agree completely. Something doesn't add up. Why push so hard to commoditize and sell a philosophy if you're content with what you already have? Especially a philosophy that boils down to "don't question the status quo or try to improve anything".

[@holdenwinters68]

The best tom green bit was where he kept asking the subway person to add things to his sub. It ended up being a massive mountain of toppings. Hilarious

[@kylea8795]

This video on cynicism reminds of a of joke I say to people at times that I identify as a cynical pessimist. I believe that it’s better to have a cynical view on the world so that when shit does eventual hit the fan, I won’t be feeling extremely devastated or hopeless about this situation when it happens.

[@katattack907]

I laughed out loud at that line about sticking to reading thinkers who've lived since running water. No! Haha. I think cynicism is a useful default frame in the hypercapitalist, media-saturated world we live in. When it comes to corporations, government, and celebrities, my expectations are rock bottom. But I very much appreciate you bringing up that the value in cynicism is as a first step in a commitment to problem solving, creativity, and action. More about Audra Simpson and Glen Coulthard, please!! Dare we explore Landback next?

[@Jazzmaster1992]

Perhaps part of the problem is thinking everything must either exist as one thing or the other. More than one thing can be true at the same time. It's possible, for example, that HR coordinating an after-work social event was done because the company wants good PR, but *also* because your HR manager is a highly sociable person who *genuinely* desires to create a welcoming, friendly, human culture at work.

[@Delmworks]

Speaks to my own PR manager TBH-but I think he’s a bit ineffectual

[@01011010110]

one of my favorite tom green moments was the first time he got the bum bum song to #1 on TRL

[@GaasubaMeskhenet]

17:37 lol it looks like the statue was constructed sideways so Alexander's shadow never falls on Diogenes

[@robertmurray4488]

Undercutters pizza is my fave tom green bit. I remember staying up late a friends houses and watching it on MTV

[@dontmisunderstand6041]

"Born in a time when we had running water"... The home my mother grew up in didn't get running water until after I was born. In the US, less than 30 years ago.

[@Jin420]

3:48 Why not?? Because I need to rehab my house. 😂😂😂 But I haven't seen this one, so I'm using it as my break time. 😊

[@DaveKeil]

Tom Greene - Things that come to mind - Greasy cops bit, Airbrushing parents car, Cans in the trees guy, and the recurring theme of people telling him to get a job with big white letters flashing on the screen afterwards "THIS IS HIS JOB" I was actually good friends with his cousin Derek when I lived in Ottawa. Nightshift at Nortel was a madhouse with him around.

[@jacobbotelho2026]

favorite tom green bit is the one he did at a canadian store called casa de açores, some friend azorean dude was just trying to sell him trash

[@reversefulfillment9189]

Two of my faves, Tim and Tom. Ok 3, you too buddy. Great subject. Now lets overthrow the bourgeoisie.

[@melusine826]

Cynics are more likely to be disappointed optimists I suspect ( and I am one more than I like to admit). Being aware / knowledgeable (🤔) is important, though yes often knowing how some of the sausage is made is kinda heartbreaking. Especially in the environmental space 😅

[@mummyjohn]

if it's still breaking your heart, you haven't gotten through it yet; you're still in process

[@intellectually_lazy]

idk, i figure, question everything, includes question myself, and by the time i start thinking i've got things figured out, i should question that too

[@pcklon2000]

I need to see this video again. I think I did not catch everything in one play.