The only valid place from which to proceed, is a conscious apprehension of the real self: a direct-knowing without words, pictures, symbols, feelings, or logic.
Negative learning can never point in a positive direction.
Disillusion is only valuable when it leads to reality - not to another illusion.
Cynicism causes demotivation, which leads to external control by short-term environmental stimuli.
However things may have been in other times and places; there is now an absolute need, and no substitute, for living with conscious purpose in a meaningful reality.
The starting point for discovery of meaning is the purpose of everything; which entails recognizing reality as A Creation.