There is no sin but stupidity

– Oscar Wilde

Roger Bacon, an English philosopher and scientist from a long time ago, shares his thoughts on what makes people stupid.

Bertrand Russell, in A History of Western Philosophy, summarizes Bacon as follows:

‘There are, he says, four causes of ignorance:

• First, the example of frail and unsuitable authority.
• Second, the influence of custom.
• Third, the opinion of the unlearned crowd.
• Fourth, the concealment of one’s ignorance in a display of apparent wisdom.

From these four plagues, of which the fourth is the worst, spring all human evils.’

Nicely put sir.

Resources

• A History of Western Philosophy by Bertrand Russell