Cynic, or Romantic: Which Is Better?

The internet has become rife with memes today, many of which make no sense to the average person on first glance. One which appears to resonate with all, however, is the "There are two kinds of people" meme.

For those of you that aren't familiar with this format, it is simply a picture demonstrating two popular outcomes of a situation, one that people can relate to and find amusing. The exact description isn't important. What is though, is the message it emphasises.

There are two kinds of people. We see that every day. We have cat people and dog people, winter and summer people, day and night—the list goes on. The same is true when it comes to Cynics and Romantics. We may have heard these words used a lot—but what do they mean? And how do they affect our day-to-day life?

The Gist

Everyone is different, and therefore everyone sees life in a slightly different way. However, most people's outlooks on life can be separated into one of the two categories: Cynics and Romantics.

A Romantic is often characterized by having an idealistic view of the world, or "having their head in the clouds." Some feel that they see the world as "rainbows and unicorns." But is that the case?

Romantics like to see the good in everyone and everything. They hear a song on the radio about music fixing the world's problems and they nod their heads. They're passionate about their beliefs, their relationships, and try to get the best out of their world.

They see the value in what people do for them, and don't second-guess their motives. They don't take things at face value. They feel friendships will last any test, because they themselves would do anything to make that so. Some may feel this makes them naïve, optimistic, and therefore unprepared for what life really is. Is that true? Do the Cynics have the better view?

It's true to say the Cynics of the world are far better prepared when everything goes to pot. They do take things at face value, and when people let them down, it comes as no surprise to them. And when it comes to music fixing the world's problems? Forget about it.

A cynic will not say they are negative, or pessimistic, no—they identify themselves as realists, people who see the world the way it really is and will fight it with the same mud it throws at them. Does that make them tougher? Better prepared?

The Bottom Line

Both outlooks in life have their advantages. The Romantics look for the best in people. They are trusting, passionate, and let their dreams for a better future guide them. However, they sometimes care too much and are often burned because of it.

Cynics are cautious, aware of the schemes and tactics used to trip people up. They are prepared, not to be fooled and not to be messed with. Yet they don't trust as easily and don't accept a kind gesture for what it is; instead they are often compelled to ask "What was their real motive? What did they get out of that?"

That isn't to say that either are happier than the other. Whether you are a Romantic or a Cynic, you know what you enjoy in life, and you know how to go get it.

What do you think? Do the Romantics have a better approach, or is it the Cynics?

If music ever does save the world, I guess we'll have our answer.