In my autobiography, I describe myself as an introverted agnostic Mormon with anarcho-transhumanist and environmentalist tendencies.
I’ve more recently described myself as a curmudgeonly cynical optimist. But I don’t think that is completely accurate. Check the following definitions:
- curmudgeon: crusty, ill-tempered and usually old man.
- cynical: believing that people are motivated by self-interest; distrustful of human sincerity or integrity.
- optimist: a person who tends to be hopeful and confident about the future or the success of something.
I will admit to being a curmudgeon, although I’m not particularly ill-tempered. I am old. I’m a curmudgeon in the Andy Rooney style.
In retrospect, cynical is too strong. I don’t believe that all people are “motivated by self-interest.” Certainly Trump is. But I know too many people who are selfless, many to the extreme. Skeptical (not easily convinced, have doubts and reservations) is a better description of my personality.
And despite my curmudgeonly demeanor and skepticism, I am an optimist. I have to be; I have 11 grandchildren aged 7-20.
