The Power of Stupidity

Serendipia(?) ^ | June 1996 | Giancarlo Livraghi

[ForGod'sSake]

As it may relate to current events; most notably regarding New Orleans and Louisiana politics and politicians and the people that vote for them...

[Lady Jag]

This article looks promising! I've scanned it, yet regretfully can't take the time. Bump it and BBL. I may have some things to add.

[NicknamedBob]

I'm sure there is something to this. For example, it may help to explain my consistent failure to raise songbirds, no matter what procedures I use in planting the birdseed.

[ForGod'sSake]

I just glanced over the article again and noticed the graphs didn't render properly. If anyone thinks they present an important part of the argument I'll find a way to transcribe 'em. 'Course the link's always available...

[ForGod'sSake]

Had the same problem raising chickens ;^)

[ForGod'sSake]

~~ping~~

[King Prout]

"An incompetent and vigorous commander is a calamity" - Sun Tsu

this is wonderful stuff, NNB

[King Prout]

this is great stuff!

[King Prout]

PING

[NicknamedBob]

"Had the same problem raising chickens ..."

You didn't boil the eggs first, did you?

[King Prout]

from Part II:

http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/serendipia/Stupidity2.html

There can be countless types of behavior that are, or appear, "stupid" but are harmless. They come up close to neutral in the Cipolla matrix -- and that is, indeed, where they belong.

For instance, sharing silly fun with friends and having a good laugh may be seen as "stupid" by outsiders, but according to the Cipolla Theory such behavior is likely to be classified as "intelligent": which indeed it is, as long as the fun shared by the people being amused is more than the annoyance or boredom caused to bystanders. Generally the intelligence (practical advantage) of such behavior is limited to a moment of good humor; but quite often it can lead to more relevant effects, by sparking up cooperation and ideas in ways that would not be possible in a boring environment.

I would add that bystanders have the option to mind their own business, thus making their boredom and annoyance with the harmless fun of others a form of damage caused by a function of their own stupidity.

As an aside, the UTs stand validated on the "right" side of the diagonal.

[NicknamedBob]

I wanted to relocate a bed, which should have been easy, as it was on wheels.
Unfortunately, those wheels needed to be lubricated.

I looked all over the house, but I couldn't find any Castor Oil.

[Lady Jag]

You copied the html, right? And it didn't come out right? Because I wouldn't want to try posting it just to have it come out the same...

[Lady Jag]

Bob! Can't you be good?

[King Prout]

argh! matey, I wanted to write a new program, but could only enter pirate code.

[ForGod'sSake]

UNGGGH!

[ForGod'sSake]

You copied the html, right?

Yessum. Can you take a look to see what didn't work or would you like me to? My eyelids are getting heavy...

[PatrickHenry]

this is great stuff!

I think it's stupid.

[King Prout]

I think you're hapless!

[NewJerseyJoe]