We regularly hear the insulting word "stupid" in our address or pronounce it ourselves, trying to emphasize certain qualities of another person. It is customary to call so the one who committed a rash act, that is, did not use the mind. What is stupidity, really? Is it a lack of analytical ability or spiritual maturity? Have you tried to understand when such a definition is more appropriate? If interested, let's try to figure it out.
Stupidity: interpretation of the word
To our happiness and relief, there are people who study expressions professionally. It is quite possible to rely on their authoritative opinion so as not to show that same stupidity. It is only in fairy tales that everything is simple, as it is well chewed. The interpretation of words is a completely different matter, more sophisticated. Ozhegov's dictionary describes our offensive term in this way: "Stupidity is the absence of intelligence, reasonable content or expediency." That is, it is a response to certainan action or phrase that does not follow logic. It means the following. We face different situations in life. Human behavior can not always be called free. He, of course, has a choice, but limited by experience: his own and adopted from educators. If he uses it, then he shows intelligence or wisdom, otherwise - stupidity. It is, in other words, an irrational response to a common stimulus.
Unclear yet?
You can, of course, explain in a simpler way, as in explanatory dictionaries. There are synonyms for our offensive word, no less unpleasant. So, stupidity can be replaced by stupidity, incompetence or naivety. Naturally, each of the above words has its own nuances, but in general they speak of the absence of rational, expedient thinking. This behavior is due to various factors. If there is a violation of logic, then we are faced with real stupidity or stupidity. A person, characterized by our term, is simply not able to correctly understand what he is faced with. It does not have a sufficient information base and tools, as scientists say. For example, a first grader cannot solve a quadratic equation. He's still stupid, compared to an honor student from the seventh grade. But, you see, no one in the world can know everything. That is, each of us, under certain conditions, demonstrates the real stupidity, which is not a vice. It only demonstrates the lack of certain knowledge or skills.
Proverbs about stupidity
Strange as it may seem, the people have always treated the stupid, sometimes even compassionately. Obviously, the collective mind correctly interprets stupidity as the desire of a person to go beyond the limits that limit him. Here, for example, is what they say about it: "Stupidity is not a vice." It is also customary to say: where the smart one mourns, the stupid one rejoices there. Agree, this is not a condemnation, only a statement of fact. But there are some pretty harsh proverbs about stupidity. They are remembered when the lack of common sense leads to serious mistakes. Thus, a foolish one is called to be more silent, so as not to show a lack of logic (mind). It is also compared to cork. And this offensive image is very eloquent. On the one hand, there is no sense in a traffic jam, compared to what it plugs. On the other hand, it is a factor that prevents the content from being obtained. Pretty descriptive and to the point. A fool, as a rule, harms not only himself, but also brings a lot of trouble and worries to others.
Celebrities talk about stupidity
You know, with a lack of mind that is not a disease, it's not that simple. And this was noticed by scientists and philosophers, who, on duty, are obliged to monitor human behavior in various circumstances. So, Erich Maria Remarque uttered a phrase that later became winged. There is no great shame in being born stupid, he said, in dying stupid badly. That is, the lack of experience in itself is not reprehensible, but the refusal to acquire it leads to shame. And Einstein compared stupidity with infinity. The ingenious theoretical physicist is generally knownwith their extraordinary analogies. He assured that only these two things in the world are not subject to change.
Is it always bad to be stupid?
Anecdotes are written about stupidity, its consequences are described in serious literary works. But is it always harmful? Let's approach the issue from a different angle. A person does great stupid things while in a euphoric state. It happens during love. The extraordinary uplift caused by communication with the object of passion also changes thought processes. Lovers often do things that are inexplicable from the point of view of logic. But is it stupid? People commit madness for the sake of a loved one, often knowing full well what consequences their act will lead to. But at the moment when the decision is made, the happiness of the partner is more important for them. And this is already a different state of mind and, probably, a dimension of space. Everyone is there sometime and tries to stay until gray hairs (or find themselves again) in this magical world. Is it possible to give up euphoria in order to look smart in the eyes of the uninvolved?
About rational approach
There are people who understand that stupidity is sometimes useful. Here we characterize it as a mistake, a lack of rationality. And people understand this very well, and before that no secret was made from such an interpretation. But the text of the decree of Peter I is widely known, in which he makes unreasonable behavior obligatory for his subordinates, so as not to embarrass the authorities. This text among officials is consideredaerobatics of wisdom. It is dangerous to be smarter and more educated than the boss, you will be fired - this is known to all careerists. It is better in certain situations to look like a complete fool, but useful and helpful. Then you will save your career, and you will not make enemies. Whether it is worth adhering to this dubious principle - figure it out yourself. Just keep in mind that stupid behavior has its downsides. The deliberate demonstration of one's own stupidity emphasizes the real or imaginary merits of the interlocutor.
Genius and inappropriateness
When discussing what is the mind and what is stupidity, one cannot ignore one more fact recognized by philosophers. We are limited by rules of conduct. This is both good and bad at the same time. In ordinary life, such generally accepted frameworks help to get along, avoid stress, and not face dangerous irrationality. Every person is afraid of being branded a fool. Igor Glushenkov said that stupid behavior brings fame, which develops into notoriety, which subsequently controls us. However, the limited thinking prevents to know the world, to make discoveries. There is nothing better or worse in science than being stupid. Moreover, often people who condemn a stupid fellow, and he himself instantly change places. Those who risk going beyond the generally accepted rules sometimes win, making former critics bite their elbows with envy. Stupidity is not always bad. She is the companion of a genius who has not yet received recognition. Although in fairness it should be said that more often it is still a demonstration of the lacklogic, knowledge or experience.
