Comments on: People Are Stupid

By: Nathalie

Nathalie — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 13:17:23 +0000

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.

By: Grace Boyle

Grace Boyle — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 21:58:05 +0000

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.

By: Carlos Miceli

Carlos Miceli — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 21:51:36 +0000

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.

By: Sam

Sam — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 21:29:00 +0000

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!

By: Grace Boyle

Grace Boyle — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 19:31:38 +0000

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?

By: Tom

Tom — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 16:21:59 +0000

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.

By: Norcross

Norcross — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 16:04:27 +0000

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.

By: Carlos Miceli

Carlos Miceli — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 15:49:34 +0000

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.

By: Grace Boyle

Grace Boyle — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 15:45:14 +0000

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!

By: Susan Pogorzelski

Susan Pogorzelski — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 15:13:38 +0000

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.