A neuroscientist explains why stupidity is an existential threat to America

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by AsianStew, Apr 7, 2024.

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  1. AsianStew

    AsianStew Moderator Staff Member

    Interesting read indeed... "We may have heard of “collective intelligence,” but there is also “collective stupidity,” and it is a force with equal influence on the world."

    "This new theory of stupidity I have proposed here — that stupidity is not a lack of intelligence or knowledge, but a lack of awareness of the limits of one’s intelligence or knowledge — is more important right now than ever before, and I’ll tell you why."

    "By cultivating this type of awareness in ourselves, and making an effort to spread it to others, we can fight back against the stupidity crisis that threatens our nation."

    Link: A neuroscientist explains why stupidity is an existential threat to America | Opinion (msn.com)
     
    AsianStew, Apr 7, 2024
    #1
    MasterChief, JBjunior, Johann and 1 other person like this.
  2. Johann

    Johann Well-Known Member

    Absolutely right. Naturally, we're afflicted with the stupidity crisis here in Canada, too. But ohhh - it's a HARD fight. Nobody admits to having ANY manifestation of the disease and those who need help most -- refuse it, e.g. racists who say "I'm not a racist but...."

    A vaccine wouldn't do THAT much good. Nobody who needs it would take it. Might have some preventative effect for the others, though. The numbers are pretty horrible and maybe the best we can do is hinder the spread.
     
    Last edited: Apr 7, 2024
    Johann, Apr 7, 2024
    #2
  3. Johann

    Johann Well-Known Member

    The best thing might be to use education as a vaccine. It won't stop stupidity in everyone - but if applied properly to the young, then at some point the old victims will die -- and there will be less potential replacements for them. Dig in. It's gonna be a long battle. Likely centuries.
     
    Johann, Apr 7, 2024
    #3
  4. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    One should always beware blithely dismissing the intelligence of those with whom one disagrees, lest one tempt the gods of irony....
     
    SteveFoerster, Apr 8, 2024
    #4
    Rich Douglas, Johann and Helpful2013 like this.
  5. Johann

    Johann Well-Known Member

    The "Sage of Virginia" is spot-on. And I've been caught by the gods so many times, I think I must be Irony's Bitch. (Sigh) ... I never learn. I must be stupid, too.... :)
     
    Johann, Apr 8, 2024
    #5
  6. Rich Douglas

    Rich Douglas Well-Known Member

    Idiocracy (2006) isn't a very good movie. But it IS a prophetic one.
     
    Rich Douglas, Apr 9, 2024
    #6
    StevenKing, MasterChief, Suss and 1 other person like this.
  7. Rich Douglas

    Rich Douglas Well-Known Member

    A well-reasoned argument with which I disagree I can respect.

    An argument blossoming from toxic mixture of aggression and ignorance I cannot.
     
    Rich Douglas, Apr 9, 2024
    #7
    MasterChief, Suss and Johann like this.

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