the basic laws of human stupidity by carlo m cipolla

A stupid person is the most dangerous type of person. Non-stupid people always underestimate the damaging power of stupid individuals.ĥ. A stupid person is a person who causes losses to another person while deriving no gain and even possibly incurring losses themselves.Ĥ. The probability that a certain person is stupid is independent of any other characteristic of that person.ģ. Everyone underestimates the number of stupid individuals among us.Ģ. Cipolla RELEASE DATE: ApIn a new edition of a self-published 1976 essay, Italian economic historian Cipolla (1922-2000) posits that the most dangerous people are the stupid ones. Both hilarious and dead serious, it will leave you better equipped to confront political realities, unreasonable colleagues, or your next dinner with your in-laws.ġ. THE BASIC LAWS OF HUMAN STUPIDITY by Carlo M. Apparently, it may appear like a work of satire, but it is not so. It is now considered a classic in its own right. The probability that a certain person (will) be stupid is independent of any other characteristic of that person. Cipolla, noted professor of economic history at the UC Berkeley, created this vitally important book in order to detect and neutralize its threat. Cipolla (1922-2000) first published his long essay The Basic Laws of Human Stupidity in 1976. These are Cipolla's five fundamental laws of stupidity: Always and inevitably, everyone underestimates the number of stupid individuals in circulation. It has global catastrophic effects and can be found anywhere from the world's most powerful boardrooms to your local bar.Ĭarlo M. It is more powerful than the Mafia or the military.

Throughout history, a powerful force has hindered the growth of human welfare and happiness. 'A classic' -Simon Kuper, Financial TimesĪn economist explains five laws that confirm our worst fears: stupid people can and do rule the world 'A masterly book' -Nassim Nicholas Taleb, author of The Black Swan

The basic laws of human stupidity by carlo m cipolla