You don't have to look far in today's world to find a heavy dose of rhetoric about what's wrong with modern culture. Whether it's on a car ride with your parents, at a family reunion or at school, everyone has plenty to say about the political and cultural climate, and very little of it is especially optimistic.

Some blame Trump, others Obama, but everyone's got someone, a group of people, a minority, that is surely to blame. Every assumption becomes negative, every move suddenly seems malicious, until finally we've painted each other as Disney villains, devoid of reason and morality (do the terms "rabid liberalism," and "fascist conservatism" ring a bell?).

In truth, I seriously doubt that either the left or the right is out to destroy the United States, that immigrants are all here just to sell drugs and steal jobs, or that the LGBT community is out to silence religion. Rather, I'd like to suggest that the issue in modern society is an unhealthy amount of cynicism.

I'm not without blame here. I can't say I don't roll my eyes and clench my fists when I hear about the current administration's movements and decisions. It's hard not to assume the worst in people when we have access to the news, TV shows that depicts lies and betrayal, books and even classes that flesh out the very worst in human nature. It's difficult not seek out conspiracies or faults in those higher up, often out of nothing but boredom.

It isn't just an issue in regards to our government either, but even in the way we see each other day to day. I can't think of the last time I've seen someone begging for money actually get anything but cruel and pessimistic assumptions about what they'll use it for. Because that's what we've been taught. Don't give money to stranger's, they're drug addicts. Don't give to charities, it all goes to corporations. Don't go to someone crying for help, you might get mugged. It's more than cynical, it's selfish.

So let's stop. Really, actually just stop assuming the worst. When you see someone this week consider them the very best that they could be, at least until they prove themselves otherwise. I promise you, it's a better way to live life. Force yourself, just once or twice, to really reevaluate human nature. You might just get hooked.

Thanks so much the read!