139 — How to Be Less Cynical and More Positive About the World with Dr. Jamil Zaki

Mentally Stronger with Therapist Amy Morin

Do you feel cynical these days? Research shows our negative feelings about one another are on the rise. However, studies also indicate that people are actually more trustworthy, honest, and less greedy than they used to be.

Dr. Jamil Zaki says that if you're feeling cynical, there are strategies that can help you develop a more positive outlook on others. He's a psychologist and professor of Psychology at Stanford University, an expert in social connections, kindness, and human behavior, and the author of a new book called Hope for Cynics.

Some of the things we discuss are:

• Why cynicism has been on the rise since the 1970s
• The negative impact cynicism has on our well-being and on society
• How Dr. Zaki managed his cynicism during the pandemic
• What it means to be cynical and why it happens
• What the research says about cynicism
• Strategies for developing a more positive view of others (even if you are skeptical)

Links & Resources

Hope for Cynics

jamil-zaki.com

X — @Zakijam

Dr. Zaki's TED talk — Escape the Cynicism Trap

Offers From Our Sponsors

BetterHelp — Go to BetterHelp.com/MENTALLYSTRONG today to get 10% off your first month of therapy.

AirDoctor — Head to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code STRONGER to receive UP TO $300 off air purifiers!

ButcherBox — Go to Butcherbox.com/stronger and use code stronger at checkout and enjoy your choice of bone-in chicken thighs, top sirloins, or salmon in every box for an entire year, plus $30 off!

Jenni Kayne — Find your forever pieces @jennikayne and get 15% off with promo code STRONGER15 at Jennikayne.com/STRONGER15 #jennikaynepartner

Aqua Tru — Receive 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code STRONGER at checkout!

Subscribe to Mentally Stronger Premium — Get weekly bonus episodes, monthly bonus content, and cool gifts (like signed books)!

Connect with the Show

Buy Amy's books on mental strength

Connect with Amy on Instagram — @AmyMorinAuthor

Email the show — [e-mail]

Order 13 Things Mentally Strong Couples Don't Do

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices