cynicism

typically a cover for ignorance, or the lack of objectivity. Often people who wish they were cool will adopt the cynical point of view in a group discussion in an attempt to take the position of authority. Since it is always easier to tear down an existing idea than to provide a new one.

Refinement

Often mistaken for progress... or part of the path towards perfection. Processes, raw materials, opinions, medicines, theories, strategies, (the list goes on)... These are all victims of 'refinement'. In rare cases it is the removal of unnecessary components.

However, most often it is the stripping away of "non-essential" components by without a full understanding of the intricate relationships between various components.

Examples include: modern vitamins, pop music, public education.