Are you a skeptic?

The Concise Oxford Dictionary
scepticism- inclined to suspend judgment; given to questioning the truth of facts and the soundness of inferences; critical

Wiki
Philosophical skepticism - a philosophical position in which people choose to critically examine whether the knowledge and perceptions that they have are actually true, and whether or not one can ever be said to have absolutely true knowledge;
Scientific skepticism - a scientific, or practical, position in which one questions the veracity of claims, and seeks to prove or disprove them using the scientific method.



I have a tendency to be cynical which is not necessarily endearing or profitable, though it can be annoying at times. I am learning, however, the benefit of being a skeptic, to question "the truth of facts and the soundness of inferences." The skeptic will take the time and energy to investigate reports before simply believing or rejecting them, when others may never find the truth. Opposite the skeptic are those influenced, persuaded, satisfied. They are the closed minded. The governing force in their mind is prejudice and presupposition.
Skepticism, then, means leaving an open mind to the possibilities while continuing to look for evidence. So am I, are you, willing to be skeptical? What about your most treasured belief? Are you willing to investigate the evidence? What about your worldview, your ideas about origins, life, death, spirituality? Are you a skeptic?

PS Philosophical skepticism as defined above could be a lengthy discussion in itself. The idea that there may not be absolutely true knowledge is born out of a naturalistic worldview. It simply could not have arisen from the scientific type search for information. The scientific method itself presupposes orderly, noncontradicting truth. The discussion of philosophical skepticism would have to include a discussion of worldview.