All Successful People Are Cynical in Nature
You Must Become Cynical to Survive in This World
Humans act in self-interest. That’s not pessimism. That’s reality.
Every decision, handshake, and so-called “noble” act boils down to one question: What’s in it for me? If you still believe people act out of pure kindness, you’re missing how the world actually works. And if you’re missing that, you’re losing.
Cynicism isn’t negativity. It’s clarity. It means recognizing that self-interest drives behavior. The most successful people don’t fight this. They use it. They don’t waste time on illusions of fairness or altruism. They see the game and play to win.
This isn’t about being ruthless for the sake of it. It’s about being honest. The best companies and individuals succeed because they accept reality instead of pretending it’s different. If you want to do the same, you need to see things for what they are.
Let’s break it down. Netflix’s efficiency, Scale AI’s merit-based hiring, the psychology behind consumer spending, and the reality of transactional relationships all prove one thing: Cynicism isn’t optional. It’s the price of winning.
Why Netflix Is So Effective
Netflix doesn’t reward past success. They care about what you deliver right now. If you’re slipping, you’re gone. It’s not personal—it’s business.
They call it “radical candor,” but really, it’s just a commitment to results. If you’re not performing, they don’t owe you a thing. Morale? Feelings? Secondary. The company stays competitive by keeping only the best.
People say it’s harsh. That it burns employees out. But Netflix keeps making money, leading the industry, and landing on top workplace rankings. Because when the standard is clear—perform or leave—people either rise to it or they don’t.
If you want to succeed, stop worrying about being liked. Get results. Cut what doesn’t work, and don’t look back.
Hiring Policy At Scale AI
Alexandr Wang runs Scale AI on one principle: Merit wins. They hire the best, period. No quotas. No token hires. Just raw talent.
Paul Graham—one of the smartest investors in tech—backs Wang’s approach. He knows this model works. Scale AI is proof. Their clients include OpenAI, the Department of Defense, and the biggest AI labs in the world.
Critics call it elitist. But talent isn’t evenly distributed. Pretending otherwise weakens your edge. Success doesn’t bend for ideals. It rewards the best.
If you want to build something great, hire the best. Everything else is a distraction.
Consumer Behavior Shows The Same Pattern
People don’t buy products to “support a mission.” They buy things to solve problems, save time, make money, or boost status.
Greg Isenberg, a founder who understands this better than most, puts it bluntly: Consumers spend on themselves. Not on you.
Apple doesn’t sell iPhones. They sell status. That $1,000 price tag isn’t about better specs—it’s about the feeling of pulling out the latest model in public. The best companies don’t sell ideals. They sell to ego.
If you want people to buy, stop pitching morality. Make it about them.
Naval’s Advice On Networking
Naval Ravikant has a simple rule for meetings: Make offers, not asks.
No one is here to help you out of kindness. They show up because they get something in return. The most connected people don’t beg for favors. They bring value, trade strategically, and cut dead weight.
Every favor you’ve ever gotten came with an unspoken expectation—whether it was status, leverage, or a future IOU. The sooner you accept that, the faster you can build a real network.
Want better connections? Stop asking. Start offering.
The Pattern Is Clear
Netflix cuts dead weight? Cynical—but dominant.
Scale AI bets on talent over fairness? Cynical—but thriving.
Companies sell to self-interest? Cynical—but profitable.
Power players treat relationships as transactions? Cynical—but effective.
Success doesn’t reward people who believe in fairy tales. It rewards those who see reality for what it is.
You can fight this. Cling to the idea that kindness and fairness will carry you. But while you do, the ones who understand human nature are building, winning, and taking the opportunities you’re waiting for.
Your move.