Pros: If your inner monologue sounds like a sarcastic Yelp review of humanity (“Would not recommend: 2 stars, too much betrayal”), Zaki’s book might just be the emotional palate cleanser you need. He doesn’t ask you to become a glitter-sprinkling optimist overnight—he offers hopeful skepticism, a middle ground where you can still side-eye the world but also admit that people aren’t all secretly plotting your downfall. Backed by science and stories, Zaki makes the case that trusting others (just a little!) can actually improve your relationships, health, and general vibe. It’s like upgrading from emotional dial-up to fiber optic—same worldview, but faster, clearer, and less likely to crash during moments of vulnerability.

Cons: Applying this book to your life might mean retiring your favorite “I told you so” moments and giving up the smug satisfaction of expecting the worst. You’ll have to trade in your cynicism badge for something softer, like empathy or curiosity (ugh, feelings). And yes, there’s a risk: trusting people might occasionally backfire. But Zaki argues that the alternative—living in a bunker of mistrust—is far more isolating. So if you're ready to swap doomscrolling for a cautious peek at the bright side, this book might just be your gateway drug to human connection. Proceed with skeptical optimism and maybe a helmet, just in case.

Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the ARC!

Jamil Zaki has written a strong tribute to his friend and a timely exploration of why it’s worth seconding guessing your cynicism. It isn’t a how-to manual for escaping cynicism, Zaki himself declares early on that he is a cynic. The book does cover some practical suggestions for ways to remind yourself that the world is not as awful as you may think, and some research that supports a more hopeful attitude and why it’s worth trying. Some of the tributes to his friend are a bit meandering, but if I had known going in that it was a blend of research and anecdotes I may have had a different opinion. One of the aspects I most appreciate about this book wasn’t actually contained the the edition I read: on Zaki’s website, he and another researcher have compiled a review of the claims he makes in the book and evaluated the strength of the evidence from a scientific perspective. While nothing is rated as “weak evidence” more than one or two claims are rated as “limited evidence,” indicating that there are only a few studies and/or studies with non-representative samples that support the claim. It doesn’t say that the claims are wrong, but that science may continue to develop a different understanding of the world.

Hope for Cynics isn’t perfect, but that’s also kind of the point: the world’s not perfect, but given an opportunity, people as individuals and the collective might be better than we think they are. In the current climate, it’s worth looking for a bright spot or two, and this book may help. The evaluation of the claims in each chapter could also provide a strong foundation for a lesson in evaluating academic sources and understanding evidence.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book! It gives practical and tactical advice for cynics!!! The book is great because it advocates for hopeful skepticism- it is something of a middle ground!

Zaki, a fellow cynic, doesn’t sugarcoat things; instead, he turns to science and personal stories to break down skepticism and explore the power of hope. His reflections on his late friend Emile, a "hope researcher," add a heartfelt touch that makes the book even more compelling. As a recovering addict, I found the emphasis on hope deeply resonant. The book's central idea of "hopeful skepticism" really spoke to me—balancing questioning with optimism and understanding that positive change comes from active effort, not just passive belief. The research presented on human nature, cynicism, and the "cynical genius illusion" challenged my assumptions and made me reconsider how I approach others. I’ll definitely be revisiting this book, and I hope it gets the recognition it deserves.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for this copy for an honest review.

As a self-proclaimed cynic, this book provided insight on how to become more hopeful. I appreciated how the author tied in his friend's (Emile) work on hope and the impact it had on him. This is an important book in a time where we are all wary of each other.

Thank you NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I knew I needed to read this book when Jamil Zaki was on multiple podcasts I listen to religiously, such as Ten Percent Happier (and was fabulous on those podcasts). The book absolutely did not disappoint. I found it incredibly well written and easy to read from a purely writing standpoint- it was entertaining and never got overly dry. But the premise is also such an important one, and I found myself riled up in all the best ways by the end of the book. I finished the book earlier today and I’ve already reached out to a couple of volunteer opportunities because I’m feeling empowered to live better while empowering others. Truly can’t remember the last time a non-fiction moved me to action like this without also making me overly angry/upset/disappointed/scared/you name the negative emotion.

I wish I could buy the premise of this book, but I just don't think that the technical difference between skepticism and cynicism is a useful distinction anymore. With how polarized our country is and how one half of it is trying to strip away basic human rights from the other half, skepticism just ain't gonna cut it.

A combination of history and self-help, Jamil Zaki adds to the canon of books that tell us "Hey, life isn't too bad!", which happen to be published around the time that things ARE too bad. I at least learned the difference between skepticism and cynicism, which alluded me the way irony vs sarcasm continues to.

Hope for Cynics was not what I expected, but in a pleasant way! Making a clear distinction between skepticism and cynicism, Dr Zaki provides illustrative examples on the dangers of unchecked cynicism.

Helpful with great ideas for the particular topic and inspiring stories. Hopeful skepticism...the antidote to cynicism.

Combines self help and history. But, I found this one a bit lackluster. Some good ideas here and there. If interested in the topic, with the read for those.

In an era of declining trust and rising cynicism, this book offers a powerful antidote: hopeful skepticism. Drawing on groundbreaking research and compelling stories, this book reveals how our negative expectations can become self-fulfilling prophecies, while hope is both healthier and more realistic.

As a natural optimist, I found the opening of this book to be a bit depressing. But once it got going, the tone of the book changed. The science and stories are inspiring.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

A provocative summary of the research relevant to hope and cynicism and a call for action to endorse hope with skepticism rather than cynicism. The anecdotes are, at times, helpful but also far too often long-winded and unnecessary.