Political Cynicism

Taylor V. Smith

Taylor V. Smith

⚛ Graduate
The Johns Hopkins University professor Dr. Benjamin Ginsberg, who heads my government program, is a proponent of a philosophy called "political cynicism." He argues that all people are motivated by one of three things--namely, power, money, or status. Former U.S. vice president Cheney might be an example of the power-driven politician: he has always been comfortable serving in the background, provided he was in a position of authority. The first U.S. president, George Washington, is an example of the status-driven president: he cared deeply about being perceived as quasi-regal.

Do you think that this characterization is accurate? If so, which type are you? If not, what do you think motivates people?
 
I am not entirely sure I subscribe to this thought process, but without thinking to hard on exactly what I feel motivates people, and trying to fit into these categories, I would say that I share some traits with power and status. I am a bit of an extroverted person, who enjoys people coming to me for advice and thoughts. I tend to be a plan maker and am a bit controlling. I do not think that I take any of these things to extreme, but trying to fit myself into these categories is not exactly a pleasant experience.
 
A lot of people are motivated by one of those three things, and you can probably throw in food and sex for good measure, but I think that it is overly simplistic and a bit pessimistic to say that all people are motivated by those three things. Frankly, your professor sounds like one of those self-hating Homo sapiens.
 
Surely there are some people who are motivated by the desire to make a difference and help others? I find it hard to believe that everyone is just out for what they can get, and it does seem a rather pessimistic world view. I'd like to think I was altruistic enough not to be motivated by power, money or status, but I suppose there is a little of the cynic in all of us.

In my case, I think money would come a close second in terms of motivation. Power and status have never really interested me.
 
Of course this man is wrong. Other things drive human beings eg love and a sense of justice, but these may not be the type of people that interest this professor so therefore he ignores them
 
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