Are You a Skeptic or a Cynic? No Wrong Answers.
Some may not know the difference between skepticism and cynicism—I needed a psychic to explain it to me.
I had the chance to catch up with my old friend, world-renowned psychic medium John Edward, on my show, Good Listen.
As you might imagine, psychics and even “non-traditional” healers or philosophers have to deal with their share of skepticism and cynicism.
But it turns out, only one of these “isms” is the best way to deal with life.
While both attitudes might appear dismissive on the surface, John emphasized a crucial difference: skepticism, unlike cynicism, allows for the possibility of change and understanding.
John was a guest on my old radio show before breaking out with his own network television show “Crossing Over,” which ran for four seasons in the early 2000s.
You might think someone in his line of work would not appreciate the company of skeptics or cynics, but on the contrary, he believes there’s nothing wrong with a healthy dose of skepticism.
He acknowledges the prevalence of skepticism, particularly in today’s digital age where information—both accurate and misleading—spreads rapidly. But he differentiates between two types of skeptics: the healthy skeptic and the cynic.
The healthy skeptic approaches the unknown with a discerning mind, demanding evidence and critical analysis before accepting a claim. They are open to the possibility of psychic phenomena but require validation and information to support those claims.
The cynic, on the other hand, has already formed a concrete belief that nothing is possible. They are closed off to new ideas and interpretations, regardless of the evidence presented.
John is a big fan of the healthy skeptic, encouraging people to engage with the subject matter, ask questions, and seek evidence. He says that his role is not just to connect with the deceased but also to educate the public about energy, consciousness, and the possibility of life after death. He views skepticism as a valuable tool for navigating this complex realm, allowing individuals to approach the unknown with a critical yet open mind.
His journey reflects this embrace of skepticism.
Despite facing doubt and even attempts to expose him as a fraud, he willingly participated in double-blind studies at the University of Arizona. These studies, documented in Dr. Gary Schwartz’s book “The Afterlife Experiments,” aimed to scientifically test Edward’s abilities.
John’s willingness to work with the scientific community, even under scrutiny, shows his commitment to transparency and his belief in the importance of evidence-based exploration.
His perspective shows the importance of informed skepticism over dismissive cynicism. He wants to see a world where folks approach extraordinary claims with curiosity and critical thinking, demanding evidence but remaining open to the possibility of the unknown.
His own journey, filled with scientific testing and personal encounters with skepticism, serves as a testament to the power of approaching the world with an open yet discerning mind. He encourages everyone to embrace their inner skeptic, not as a barrier to belief, but as a tool for deeper understanding and exploration.
So, which are you—a skeptic or a cynic?
Take a moment to reflect on how you look at new ideas and challenging concepts. If you find yourself automatically dismissing things without consideration, try adopting a more skeptical mindset. Ask questions, seek evidence, and remain open to possibilities.
You might be surprised by what you discover when you approach life with healthy skepticism rather than cynicism—and don’t be skeptical about it.
