Bonhoeffer‘s Theory of Stupidity

About this video lesson:
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.

[greggrobinson]

The most important insight in this vid is that stupidity is essentially a moral failing more than an intellectual one. The failure is in believing things based on how they make us feel, rather than on their truthfulness. It puts "taste" above "nutritional value" and eventually we starve.

[WestCoastSwinger]

"It is easier to fool someone, than to convince them they have been fooled” - Mark Twain

[coleorum]

We are all stupid at times. It's part of being a human being. The skill is in recognising when you are.

[bargdaffy]

"never underestimate the Power of Stupid People in large groups" ~ George Carlin.

[drea]

"In conversation with him, one virtually feels that one is dealing not at all with him as a person, but with slogans, catchwords, and the like that have taken possession of him."
More relevant today than ever. The hallmark of social media.

[puriso]

"A fool who knows he is a fool can at least be said to have some wisdom, but a fool who thinks he is wise is a fool indeed." - The Buddha

[ElenoorRigbee]

When I was young I was very social, I thought I liked meeting & getting to know people. Now in my 70’s I’d rather be alone than spend time trying to find someone intelligent, interesting & knowledgeable to converse with. Too many people are set in their ways, limited in their life experiences & content to be so. As Socrates said “the unexamined life is not worth living” - not just stupid these people are boring as hell

[magicbrownie]

My life experience has been that malice and stupidity walk hand in hand.

[DemonDante]

"The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, while wiser people so full of doubts."
Bertrand Russell.
My favorite quote of all time

[mlu]

Winning an argument against an intelligent person is very hard. Winning an argument against a stupid person is downright impossible.

[johnk.]

This theory sums up the following nicely -"Never argue with an idiot, they will only argue you down to their level and beat you with experience". Blessings.

[bonniethompson]

People blame social media, but I think it goes back way further than that.

[marlene-rrih]

“Smart people learn from everything and everyone, average people from their experiences, stupid people already have all the answers.” – Socrates

[tundem]

"Anyone who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities" - Voltaire.

[mind-numbingtasks]

Yep, this really is the biggest problem we face. If there isn't someone out there that wants to do you wrong deliberately, there is certainly an army of people that will cause you a lot of problems out of their sheer stupidity.

[dukeemzworth]

Trying to use reason and logic to argue with a stupid person is like playing chess with a pigeon. The pigeon just knocks all the pieces over, shits all over the board & then struts around like it has won.

[MrPlasmaCosmos]

"You can sway a thousand men by appealing to their prejudices quicker than you can convince one man by logic." - Robert A. Heinlein

[stephanietrapasso]

Extraordinary dynamic. Bonhoffer's Platonic influence is evident. Kudos to this creater. This should be in every classroom above sixth grade.

[deadwalking]

Thank you for posting, and making me aware of this gentleman's attempt at redressing what was happening . I am always impressed and in awe of those who stand up against such overwhelming odds; and often sadly pay with their life.

[rationalbasis]

Nicely presented. I feel like social media has unleashed a tsunami of stupidity and it's only getting worse.