Does anyone think being somewhat cynical is bad?
Definitely not ! there is a plethora of scammers out there and cynacism is your only means of protection. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is......Always remember, con artists, real estate people and salesmen are IN IT FOR THEIR OWN BENEFIT NOT YOURS.
Always remember that..
I assume you mean the modern definition and not the Greek philosophy. I find skepticism to be a good thing. It's why I'm an atheist and I don't buy into anything without hard facts to support the claim.
Well, it does tend to open up inquiry which leds to knowledge. But it also propagates "me" thinking by the cynic. At some point we have to trust in others to elevate our thinking and move into better circles in the world we create around ourselves. Understanding cynicism but not living in it is the key IMO. I live by the tenets Damyata Datta Dayadhvam. From the Brihadaranyaka upanishad. Exercise self-control, give of yourself first instead of expecting from others, and be compassionate. I have found that this allows me to salvage any situation and creates a world around me that centers on good things.
I think it will not serve you well in the long run. Being completely aware of your surroundings and the behaviors of others is one thing...but, cynical is like 'having little trust' in life! That simply does not make good sense. We face OUR experience, head on and if it is out of kilter, we make adjustments! Why be cynical about that?