14 Comments

Oh, and worthy of a restock.

Expand full comment

Strawbridge, that is an excellent piece you have written. Very thought-provoking. I will get my own copy of Dr.Cipolla's book. One reason I need to read it for myself is that I need to know he distinguishes between stupidity and dumb. There are many people that, after I have a ten or fifteen minute encounter, I want my time back. Bravo and thank you for your summary.

Expand full comment

Hi Benn, so good to hear from you.

Thank you so much. I really enjoyed writing this one. I think the topic should be explored and not just ignored. I do not recall him distinguishing the two. He uses stupid to cover about everything. Ahh, I know that feeling very well. There is nothing worse than time wasters and energy drainers. You feel energized after having an enlightened conversation but tired after a conversation that is dull. For me, it is because dealing with stupidity is like work. I am so glad you liked it.

Expand full comment

Stupid people have their role too; without them, it would be difficult to distinguish intelligence, much like how bad people help define what it means to be good. Of course, it's not as black and white as this, but you get the idea.

Expand full comment

Thank you so much for offering your thoughts. I hope everyone gets I am writing tongue-in-cheek. Yes I get it. You are right. I think it is a topic that should be talked about some, since people can be so thoughtless.

Expand full comment

Stupid is as stupid does. 😁

This word isn’t in my vocabulary (unless making a funny point like this lol) nor is it something I allow from my kiddo or their friends.

Expand full comment

Forest is always right.

I get that and I don't use the word in my world of mental health. I understand the nature of the word. But, I think it is important to talk about everything that matters to us. And this subject really does. We might use a different word like careless or thoughtless. Thanks so much for reading and offering your thoughts.

Expand full comment

Always.

I agree, talking and writing helps so much with processing things for sure 🙌

Expand full comment

Here's my stupid comment:

Can someone please expand on how I can 'satanise' my hands?

I feel like it might come in handy.

Expand full comment

I really don't know. Is there an opposite of holy water?

One might satanise their hands to do something evil, maybe.

Expand full comment

I was trying not to find any of my characteristics or behaviors on those lists. I didn't find too many, so maybe I'm this side of stupid in most areas. Hope so.

Expand full comment

Everyone does stupid things sometimes. You are far from stupid. As the stupid gatekeeper, I designate you as intelligent from this day forward.

Expand full comment

This was stupid good!

Yes, we are born with a certain intellectual capacity, or lack thereof. Some of that is environmental: did your mother eat right while pregnant, for instance. Some of it is genetic. But all the education and advantages in the world can’t cure stupid.

Expand full comment

Thanks Nick. I don’t know. But I am interested in this topic, which I take seriously but with a little humor involved. I think you are doing your part to bring enlightenment into the world. I try as well. What really stinks are the willfully ignorant. That is like making a choice to be stupid. Maybe those are the ones who cannot be helped. Is it easier to be dumb? That’s a fine question for a little story.

Expand full comment