Article July 25, 1964 Issue

Signs of the Times

Wayne E. Oates

The Link

Dr. Wayne E. Oates Professor, Psychology of Religion Southern Baptist Seminary Louisville, Kentucky in The Link Washington, District of Columbia

The capacity to sneer seems to be a unique ability of humankind. This ability to sneer has produced ... a bumper crop of cynicism. The sneering quality in us loves the company of others dedicated to the proposition that all men are liars and no one can be trusted. The love of the company of others who sneer spawns cults of the curled lip, tight-knit groups committed to a contemptuous disbelief in men's sincerity of motives or rectitude of conduct. The internal orientation of these cynical groups is one of grandiose perfection, freedom from self-criticism, and mutual admiration of one another.

The characteristics and dynamics of the "cult of the curled lip" suggest effective ways to avoid the blight of this sourdough diet of life. ...

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July 25, 1964
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