95% of the people at least, the remaining 5% are smart.
And everyone believes they are in it.
No matter what you think is right or wrong, you’ll always disagree with 95% of the population on that thing that makes them stupid to you.
Let’s say that you really are better than everyone else…
What’s the point? 95% don’t think like you do.
Bottom line: You have to accept diversity, even in what you think are the stupidest things. Not only because it shows tolerance, but because they are more than you.
Sparked by my friend Nisha Chittal (who’s not stupid at all).
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
Love this stuff… Mainly because I absolutely have to heed your advice. Stupidity out numbers the smart people by a large margin. Am I there in the 5%? Maybe. I need to listen more in order to actually take advantage of it.
On the other end, what makes a person smart? Is it book-smart, knowing facts and understanding figures? Or is it awareness and common sense? Interesting post, thought-provoking post, Carlos.
Is 95% a number you tossed out there or that you believe that disagreeableness meter is that high? Just curious because on a global scale I would say it could be higher, but local communities, friend groups or areas that are analogous to your beliefs and vision often have less to disagree on.
I also have friends who tend to always disagree–with everyone. They love to play devils advocate and they disagree with vigor, never listening to the ‘other’ side of the story. I think they’re often talking blindly, devoid of an open mind.
Good thoughts as always, Carlos!
I believe that 5% of the people will agree between each other that the other 95% is stupid. Even in communities, group of friends, wherever. I actually think that many of my personal friends don’t “get it” either.
I see your point. I just think that 95% of people are stupid is a large claim. Isn’t that ignorant to believe that only 5% aren’t…what about those 95% that are supposedly stupid but believe THEIR friends are stupid. Self perpetual cycle? There isn’t quite a scale to gauge stupidity though, is there?
Of course there isn’t. That’s why hanging around the “word” is pointless. What matters is that, like you say, it’s a cycle. It doesn’t matter who’s objectively stupid or smart. What matters are the numbers.
Okay so you say, what matters are the numbers. But the number is based off of…nothing? Just an idea or the thought that 95% of people are stupid. Maybe we’re going in circles
but it’s intriguing nonetheless.
You’re correct…people are stupid. Individuals can be intelligent, open-minded, introspective, etc. but as soon as they (we) begin to group up, many of those traits tend to disappear.
Yes, to some extent this is a trick of perspective i.e.
There is stuff I care about and stuff I don’t. I know more about the stuff I care about than most other people. So they look stupid, because I don’t notice the stuff they DO know and think about.
Carlos, I think Susan asks a great question, what kind of “smarts” are you referring to here? There are a number of different ways that we can be smart or knowledgeable. I’m not sure that I would generalize and say 95% of people are stupid, maybe close minded? Regardless, I agree with your general point. I know exactly the kind of people you’re talking about, the ones who disagree just for the heck of it, just to make noise and piss people off. I’m all for a healthy, passionate debate or discussion, but only if it’s intelligent and based on knowledge and experience. Very interesting post, my friend!
well I’m not sure I agree that 95% people are stupid. I think it’s more a matter of open-mindedness … you touched this point when you say that what matters is to accept diversity. The thing is everyone think he/she is right and the others wrong. Our ego loves thinking he is right and the rest of the world wrong. When you accept that there are as many truths as there are individuals you get more humble and open-minded.