David French & Derek Thompson 
The Little Book Of Cynics 

Cynics are as old as Man himself. Ancient sources tell of Adam who, when seeing Eve for the first time, muttered, ‘Uh-oh. There goes Free Will.’ If Adam was indeed the father of the human race – and, as such, the progenitor of cynicism – is it any surprise his children are just like him? Nowadays, the word ‘cynic’ has been relegated to a synonym of ‘doubter’, ‘pessimist’ or ‘sceptic’. But, given our modern preoccupations with pleasure, fame, fortune and power, maybe we need cynics more than ever. Perhaps theirs is that small, sane voice amid the roar of instant gratification, 24-hour television, media manipulation and marketing. Or perhaps we just wanted to sell a book. But, of course – we’re not that cynical. Are we?