To: TimF who wrote (750 ) 10/21/2010 10:48:41 AM From: one_less Respond to An older person is more likely to develop a cynical attitude toward societal endeavors and therefore be less inclined to encourage, engage, or even care about the circumstances of others. That would make them more amoral than immoral with regards to the people and circumstances within their sphere of influence. If a person excusing self as a cynic, however, does see the benefits of caring activities but withheld support in lieu of their devotion to cynicism, they would be guilty of the immoral conduct of negligence."Generally I'm optimistic enough to assume that many people do improve themselves over their lives. But I'm pessimistic or cynical enough to think some people really do delude themselves in the way the article mentioned." Recognizing this tendency in oneself, psychologists say, can both reduce the risk of lapsing into middle-aged sanctimony and increase moral vigilance for when it matters most: the present.
