"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity." — Albert Einstein
"The greatest threat to humanity is not evil, but stupidity." — Yuval N. Harari, Nexus
Stupidity is a main factor in injustice, violence, wars, prejudice, hatred, denial of reality, superstition, environmental destruction, economic inequality, health inequality, social division, intolerance, and most ailments that empoverish humanity.
It is often the most unassailable obstacle against general human wellbeing. As the Latin saying goes: Inermes contra stultitiam: "there are no weapons against stupidity"," or "nothing can defeat stupidity". By definition stupidity resists reason.
Stupidity may well be the most destructive force in the world, an entropy to good and wisdom. It is arguably the most pervasive and notorious factor in how some humans harm other humans, the environment and themselves. Thus, pinpointing, diagnosing, and—better yet—measuring stupidity (how?) could help mitigate these harms.
Measuring Stupidity
Humans often struggle to measure abstract concepts directly. For instance, while it’s difficult to gauge the height of a distant mountain at a glance, we can easily compare two mountains side by side. This analogy applies to measuring stupidity; a direct measurement might be elusive, but comparisons can yield valuable insights.
We cannot determine absolute wisdom or total stupidity, but we certainly manage to ponder both, relatively in our everyday, though haphazardly. I posit that it would be of the greatest value and utility to be able to increase our objective precision about it.
When a speaker (politician, religious lider, etc.) repeat nonsensical syntax, this should be easy to pinpoint and actually enable us to measure the overall semantic meaning of their discourse. Say for example a 40 minute speech in which the speakers says (in different ways) unverifiable facts, for example "change is coming" or "follow me". These are invocations to arouse feelings but they are not factual. Basically they are just hollow sounds. The analysis of 90% of religious and political speeches are basically hollow, nonsensical (stupid for the stupid) phrases.
In Yuval Harari's words truth is scarce, hard to find, hard to prove, hard to understand and often painful, which explains why speakers speak abundant nonsense which is abundant, cheap, easy to assimilate and can't be proven.
If we could establish simple criteria to evaluate and measure stupidity—similar to how intelligence is quantified with an IQ score—we might develop an "SQ" (Stupidity Quotient) measure. This could provide a framework for understanding stubborn, self-defeating behaviors that lead to detrimental outcomes. Having a unit of measure may help promote awareness and better decision-making.
Nobody was able to measure 'information' until Claude Shannon -around 1948- defined a unit ("bit") that resolves our minimal disinformation (yes or no). After he "materialized" information by making it measurable we were able to develop modern communications, computers, GPS, memory storage chips, etc.
In a similar vein, I propose a unit of stupidity: the "certain." One "certain" measures the stubborn refusal to accept simple, undeniable evidence, such as the fact that the Earth is round or that miracles do not occur. I suggest we call this unit of stupidity a "certain," such that 100% certain = 100% stupid (and 0% certain = 0% stupid). We imply that the opposite of stupidity is wisdom: think Socrates: "I only know that I know nothing".
I lack the mathematical accumen to elaborate a "Mathematical Theory of Stupidity" akin to Shannon's groundbreaaking "Mathematical Theory of Communication", but I hope some reader can.
Defining Stupidity
While "a lack of intelligence, understanding, reason, or good judgment" is a dictionary-accurate definition, it doesn't fully capture the terrible, elusive, deep, harmful, nuances of stupidity. It's not simply the absence of intelligence, but often involves active processes or tendencies.
Stupidity is acting against one's own best interests or the best interests of others, despite available information or evidence, and making poor choices -in denial- even when others alert about the consequences and they are made clear to him or her. It also involves a failure to learn from experience or adapt to new information, an inability or unwillingness to consider different perspectives, and a lack of self-awareness. Additionally, this active (whether conscious or not) pursuit of ignorance or misinformation contributes to the perpetuation of unnecessary problems or suffering.
A More Comprehensive Definition:
Stupidity is not merely a lack of intelligence, but a disposition towards actions and beliefs that are demonstrably wrong, harmful or counterproductive, often characterized by a failure to learn, adapt, or consider alternative perspectives.
This definition encompasses a lack of intelligence but also emphasizes the behavioral, cognitive, and consequential aspects of stupidity. It acknowledges that stupidity is not just about being 'dumb,' but about insistently, repeatedly, and stubbornly making wrong or poor choices and failing to learn from them (think of dictators or religious fanatics).
Final, Most Complete Definition:
Stupidity is not merely a lack of intelligence, but a disposition towards actions and beliefs that are demonstrably harmful or counterproductive, often characterized by a failure to learn, adapt, or consider alternative perspectives, and persisting in those actions or beliefs despite evidence or negative consequences.
Thinkers That Alerted Humanity About Stupidity
- Desiderius Erasmus: a prominent Renaissance scholar, and close friend to Saint Thomas Moore, he explored the theme of stupidity in his (highly daring at the time of inquisition) satirical work "The Praise of Stupidity," written in 1509. Through the character of Folly (or "stupidity" (stultitia) in Latin), he critiques the absurdities and ignorance of society, emphasizing that stupidity involves a persistent refusal to learn from mistakes. By blending humor with sharp criticism, Erasmus challenges readers to reflect on their own foolishness and its broader consequences, making a bold statement for his time.
- Daniel Kahneman: A psychologist and Nobel laureate who explores cognitive biases and errors in judgment that lead to "stupid" decisions in his book "Thinking, Fast and Slow. A prominent psychologist and Nobel laureate known for his exploration of cognitive biases and errors in judgment that lead to "stupid" decisions. In his influential book, Thinking, Fast and Slow, he distinguishes between two modes of thinking: System 1, which is quick and intuitive, and System 2, which is slower and more analytical. Kahneman highlights how the impulsive nature of System 1 often results in irrational choices, driven by biases like overconfidence and loss aversion. By shedding light on these mental pitfalls, he emphasizes how our thinking can lead us to make seemingly "stupid" decisions, urging readers to develop greater awareness of their thought processes to improve their decision-making."
- Carlo Cipolla: an Italian economic historian, is best known for his essay, "The Basic Laws of Human Stupidity," where he humorously categorizes individuals based on their intelligence and behavior. He famously states that "always and inevitably, everyone underestimates the number of stupid individuals in circulation." Cipolla defines "stupid" people as those who cause harm to others without benefiting themselves, asserting that their actions can be more detrimental than those of any other group. He emphasizes that stupidity is a pervasive force in society, stating, "A stupid person is a person who causes losses to another person or to a group of persons while himself deriving no gain." Through these laws, Cipolla invites readers to reflect on the irrational behaviors that can lead to significant societal consequences.
- Dietrich Bonhoeffer: the German theologian and anti-Nazi dissident pastor who was later executed, addresses the concept of stupidity in his writings, particularly in his letters and essays. He argues that "stupidity is a more dangerous enemy of the good than malice," emphasizing that it often blinds individuals to the consequences of their actions. Bonhoeffer suggests that stupidity is characterized by a refusal to think critically or reflect on one's beliefs, leading to a lack of moral responsibility. He notes that "the stupid person is a person who cannot be influenced by reason," highlighting how such individuals can perpetuate injustice and harm within society. Through his reflections, Bonhoeffer warns of the profound dangers posed by unexamined beliefs and the pervasive nature of thoughtlessness in human behavior.
- David Dunning: Renowned for the Dunning-Kruger effect in social psychology, he explores how individuals with low competence in a task may overestimate their own abilities, resulting in foolish decision-making. The Dunning-Kruger effect is a cognitive bias where those with limited skills fail to recognize their own incompetence, leading them to believe they are more capable than they truly are. Conversely, more skilled individuals often underestimate their abilities because they are aware of the complexities involved. This phenomenon highlights the critical role of self-awareness in accurately evaluating one’s own level of stupidity.
- Yuval Noah Harari: Historian, philosopher and author of "Sapiens", he frequently addresses the concept of stupidity in his works, including his most recent book, Nexus. He highlights that "stupidity is a fundamental human condition," emphasizing how it can lead to poor decision-making and societal issues. Harari argues that in an age of information overload, people often cling to simplistic narratives and fallacies, making them vulnerable to manipulation. He notes that "the greatest threat to humanity is not evil, but stupidity," underscoring that ignorance and thoughtlessness can have dire consequences. Through his reflections, Harari invites readers to confront the challenges posed by unexamined beliefs and the importance of critical thinking in navigating the complexities of the modern world..
Measuring the SQ (Stupidity Quotient)
We posit a Stupidity Quotient. Begin your test here below—test yourself or someone else by trying to respond as they would!
In the chapters below, we aim to expand on some of the areas where stupidity may reign. The Latin suffix "-itis" is often used to denote an ailment; for example, laryngitis is the inflammation of the larynx. In that same spirit, I propose we call ideologitis a state of dis-ease in ideology (as opposed to a reasonable one—stupidity opposes reason): not ideology, but a bad state of it—one that borders on (or fully embraces) stupidity.
I propose and lightly comment on those I found to be more obvious and common, but please feel free to participate, comment, and contribute your own thoughts. I do not mean to say that I am right about any of the things I am writing; rather, I view them as questions to be contemplated, evaluated, considered, pondered, and possibly answered or used as a basis for exploration.
Email the writer with your comments on this introduction
Ideologitis refers to an excessive attachment to one's own beliefs or ideologies, often leading to conflict with others.
Religionitis describes a strong fixation on religious beliefs, which can influence behavior and social interactions.
Prejuditis is the tendency to hold preconceived opinions about individuals or groups, often without adequate knowledge.
Stupiditis refers to behaviors and decisions stemming from a lack of awareness or understanding, often resulting in negative consequences for individuals and society. Those affected tend to defend their actions vehemently, making it a persistent and often unassailable condition that will last a lifetime.
SQ (Stupidity Quotient): We aim to define a series of tests in the form of behavioral questions that can approximate a relative measure of stupidity. For instance, minimizing the pains caused by war could be rated as particularly foolish.
Governmentitis refers to the excessive reliance on governmental authority and regulation, often stifling individual initiative and responsibility.
Ignoritis describes a state where individuals remain willfully uninformed, leading to poor decision-making and misunderstandings.
Cowarditis refers to the avoidance of necessary risks or challenges due to fear, often resulting in missed opportunities.
Dogmatitis is characterized by an unwavering adherence to beliefs without consideration of evidence or alternative viewpoints.
Shorttermitis refers to a focus on immediate rewards at the expense of long-term benefits, often leading to unsustainable choices.
Ageismitis describes prejudice or discrimination against individuals based on their age, often leading to societal inequities.
Denialitis refers to the refusal to accept reality or facts, leading to irrational behavior and poor decision-making.
Wokeitis describes an obsession with political correctness and social justice that can lead to over-sensitivity and conflict.
Generousitis is a delightful, positive condition that lets you showcase just how generous you can be! Show us and share your symptoms by donating, so we can continue our mission—and perhaps even boost humanity's defenses against Stupiditis for the good of all!