Bonhoeffer‘s Theory of Stupidity 1

Dietrich Bonhoeffer argued that stupid people are more dangerous than evil ones. This is because while we can protest against or fight evil people, against stupid ones we are defenseless — reasons fall on dead ears. Bonhoeffer's famous text, which we slightly edited for this video, serves any free society as a warning of what can happen when certain people gain too much power. #stupidity #sprouts

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CHAPTERS
0:00 The Darkest Chapter
0:55 Letters from prison
4:29 About Bonhoeffer
5:19 Our Patrons
5:28 Subscribe and support

COLLABORATORS
Script based on the work of Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Editor: Jonas Koblin
Artist: Pascal Gaggelli
Voice: Matt Abbott
Coloring: Nalin
Editing: Peera Lertsukittipongsa
Production: Selina Bador
Production Assistant: Bianka
Proofreading: Susan

DIG DEEPER
Dietrich Bonhoeffer's Final Words - This Day in History
Dietrich Bonhoeffer Quotes

SOURCES
Dietrich Bonhoeffer,

Original Text

Bonhoeffer Pastor, martyr, prophet, spy (Student edition)

CLASSROOM EXERCISE
How would you define Bonhoeffer's version of stupidity? Work together as a class to devise a definition. What qualities must someone possess, or lack, to be considered stupid as Bonhoeffer describes it. In what type of situation would someone display their stupidity? What can we do to avoid stupidity in today's society? Discuss with your class and let us know in the comments below what they think.