Jim Parker
Member
- Apr 17, 2015
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This was written while Bonhoeffer was imprisoned by the Nazis for being part of the anti-Hitler resistance. He was martyred by being hung (strangled with piano wire) about two weeks before Germany surrendered to the allies.
On Stupidity
Letters and papers from prison.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945)
Stupidity is a more dangerous enemy of the good than malice. One may protest against evil; it can be exposed, and, if need be, prevented by force.
Evil always carries within itself the germ of its own subversion in that it leaves behind in human beings at least a sense of unease. Against stupidity we are defenseless.
Neither protests nor use of force accomplish anything here; reasons fall on deaf ears; facts that contradict one’s prejudgment simply need not be believed – in such moments the stupid person even becomes critical – and when facts are irrefutable they are pushed aside as inconsequential, as incidental. In all this the stupid person, in contrast to the malicious one, is utterly self-satisfied and, being easily irritated, becomes dangerous by going on the attack.
For that reason, greater caution is called for when dealing with a stupid person than with a malicious one.
Never again will we try to persuade the stupid person with reasons, for it is sensless and dangerous.
On Stupidity
Letters and papers from prison.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945)
Stupidity is a more dangerous enemy of the good than malice. One may protest against evil; it can be exposed, and, if need be, prevented by force.
Evil always carries within itself the germ of its own subversion in that it leaves behind in human beings at least a sense of unease. Against stupidity we are defenseless.
Neither protests nor use of force accomplish anything here; reasons fall on deaf ears; facts that contradict one’s prejudgment simply need not be believed – in such moments the stupid person even becomes critical – and when facts are irrefutable they are pushed aside as inconsequential, as incidental. In all this the stupid person, in contrast to the malicious one, is utterly self-satisfied and, being easily irritated, becomes dangerous by going on the attack.
For that reason, greater caution is called for when dealing with a stupid person than with a malicious one.
Never again will we try to persuade the stupid person with reasons, for it is sensless and dangerous.
