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About this quote

What does it mean?
Cynicism is a stylish or pretentious intellectual attitude.
In plain terms
Being cynical is like a smart person showing off.
What can you take from it?
Cynicism often masks as intellectual superiority.

Where it applies

  • debate
  • literary critique
  • social commentary

Putting it to work

  • question cynical postures
  • identify intellectual posturing

Questions to consider

  • Is cynicism a shield or a stance?
  • Does intelligence require cynicism?

Another view

It oversimplifies cynicism as mere vanity.

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