2024-25 Positive Links Speaker Series
Hope for Cynics: The Surprising Science of Human Goodness
September 10, 2024
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About the event:
Cynicism is an understandable response to a world full of injustice and inequality. But in many cases, it is misplaced. Dozens of studies find that people fail to realize how kind, generous, and open-minded others really are. Cynical thinking deepens social problems: when we expect the worst in people, we often bring it out of them. We don’t have to remain stuck in this cynicism trap.

Join Jamil Zaki, author of  "Hope for Cynics: The Surprising Science of Human Goodness", in a fireside chat with Ethan Kross to learn the secret for beating back cynicism: hopeful skepticism—thinking critically about people and our problems, while simultaneously acknowledging our power. Through science and storytelling, Jamil will share how hopeful skepticism can strengthen relationships, schools, businesses, and social movements. This philosophy isn’t about naïve optimism; it’s about magnifying the good in people while remaining critical. Hopeful skepticism honors humanity’s strengths while confronting our weaknesses head-on.

Presenter:
Jamil Zaki
Professor of Psychology, Stanford University
Author of "Hope for Cynics"

Host:
Ethan Kross
Faculty Associate, Center for Positive Organizations; Professor of Psychology and Management & Organizations, University of Michigan

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About Positive Links:
The Positive Links Speaker Series, presented by Michigan Ross’ Center for Positive Organizations, offers inspiring and practical science-based strategies to build and bolster thriving organizations. Attendees learn from leading positive organizational scholars and connect with our community of academics, students, staff, and leaders.

More: https://positiveorgs.bus.umich.edu