The power of stupid

I recently posted about a day of absolute happiness, when I bought nine books. 'BookBooks' that is, with actual pages that you can turn with a finger. Thanks to everyone for the recommendations on where to start, and I chose "The Psychology of Stupidity" by Jean-Francois Marmion.

I have always been intrigued by stupidity, mostly my own, so perhaps this book would give me an answer, a framework on how to deal with it or simply make me feel better about myself. It did not disappoint. A simply delightful book, based on very short articles (each no longer than 10 pages) and interviews with people that society defines as 'smart' and who probably are smart.

Most business books I have read or listened to over the past few years follow a similar simple pattern: one core thought or hypothesis, a handful (five or ten) 'pillars' that support that thought, 200 pages of observations or case studies that stretch it into a publishable size, a 'this-is-how-you-can-do-the-same' DIY approach for the reader, a 'follow me for more' summary and you've just wasted five hours of listening/two days of reading to be no wiser than before.

Not this book. It has no particular hypothesis, but a whole lot of different views - and I now have a much greater awareness for stupidity, in my own and in others.

So, what did I learn? I learned about Immunity Bias, Impunity Bias and Optimism Bias

I learned about the importance of critical thinking to overcome bias.

I learned about Group Ideal, and while it would be too easy to jump into North American politics of the last four years as an example, Group Ideal challenges are really everywhere, at work or in your friendship circle.

I learned about Narcissistic Stupidity in the working world and how to recognise a true asshole.

After this book, I am ready to face the world of "backward, slow, ignorant, useless, foolish, lug-headed, imbecilic, stupid, witless, cracked, silly, moronic and dippy". My bullshit detector is fine-tuned again and my cynicism bucket replenished. Bring it on, people!