What is a cynic?

The power of accurate observation is commonly called cynicism by those who have not got it.

That quote from perfect Wagnerite George Bernard Shaw was used by me recently in conversation with friend and music writer Richard Bratby. It subsequently found its way onto Facebook and generated a number of 'likes', so I am repeating it here. Today 'cynic' is the pejorative of choice used to describe anyone who dares to challenge the all-pervasive wisdom of crowds. It is one of the ironies of our time that while difference in orientation is quite rightly celebrated, difference in viewpoint is deprecated.

Header photo was taken by me at the sacred dance festival at the Tibetan Buddhist Hemis monastery in Ladakh, and first appeared in When classical music danced to the rhythms of Mother India. Any other copyrighted material is included as "fair use" for critical analysis only, and will be removed at the request of copyright owner(s). Also on Facebook and Twitter.