Naïve Cynicism

We assume that other people's behaviour is driven by selfish motives, even when there is good reason to think they are being genuinely helpful or honest.

We tend to judge ourselves by our intentions and others by their visible actions. When we cannot see someone's reasons, we default to assuming self-interest, partly because it feels safer and partly because self-serving motives are easy to imagine.

• A colleague offers to cover your shift and you immediately wonder what they want in return, rather than considering they may simply be kind.
• A stranger returns your lost wallet and you assume they took the cash before handing it in.
• A politician proposes a popular policy and you assume it is purely for votes, without considering whether the policy might also be genuinely good.

• Ask: 'What evidence do I actually have for this motive?'
• Test whether you would interpret a friend's action the same way.
• Consider that most people are not thinking about you at all.
• Notice when cynicism feels like insight but is actually assumption.