---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: What passes for hip cynical transcendence…"
description: "\"What passes for hip cynical transcendence of sentiment is really some kind of fear of being really human, since to be really human [...] is probably to..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/be2/david-foster-wallace-161_cynical_what-passes-for-hip-cynical-transcendenc_1913993.jpg"
---

#  What passes for hip cynical transcendence of sentiment is…

![“What passes for hip cynical transcendence of sentiment is really some kind of fear of being really human, since to be really human [...] is probably to be unavoidably sentimental and naïve and goo-prone and generally pathetic.” quote by David Foster Wallace](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/be2/david-foster-wallace-161_cynical_what-passes-for-hip-cynical-transcendenc_1913993.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/be2/david-foster-wallace-161_cynical_what-passes-for-hip-cynical-transcendenc_1913993.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/be2/david-foster-wallace-161_cynical_what-passes-for-hip-cynical-transcendenc_1913993.jpg)

> “What passes for hip cynical transcendence of sentiment is really some kind of fear of being really human, since to be really human \[...\] is probably to be unavoidably sentimental and naïve and goo-prone and generally pathetic.”

[David Foster Wallace](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-foster-wallace/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The quote suggests that deep emotional sensitivity is masked by cynicism, revealing a fear of embracing genuine humanity and its inherent vulnerability.

**In simple terms:** Cynicism hides fear of being truly human and sentimental.

Key Takeaway

Accept vulnerability as part of humanity.

Themes

humanity vulnerability emotion cynicism self-awareness

Mood

reflective introspective

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

- personal relationships
- creative expression
- self-reflection
- mental health
- social interaction

Key Concepts

Existentialism psychology authenticity

Questions to Reflect On

- How does cynicism protect you?
- What would happen if you allowed yourself to feel?

A Different Perspective

Cynicism can also be a protective mechanism, not just fear.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Cynical](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cynical/) [Fear](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fear/) [Humans](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/humans/) [Pessimism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/pessimism/) [Sentimental](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sentimental/) [Sentiments](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sentiments/) [Spirituality](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/spirituality/) [Transcendence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/transcendence/)

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