Reflections on Stupidity in Politics
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the Lutheran pastor and anti-Nazi martyr, once noted that “fool is more of the enemy of good than malice.” This sentiment resonates with many today, especially in the realm of American politics, where it seems, perhaps, that his insights are quite applicable.
It’s as if both sides of the political spectrum see evils in each other, guided by narratives that shape their perceptions. Yet, in doing so, they often overlook their own missteps, right? This leads to a curious phenomenon where individuals become “NPCs,” or non-playable characters, following a script without questioning it.
Glenn, a co-founder of Blaze Media, emphasizes the idea that stupidity poses a greater threat than outright evil. Why? Because, while we can shine a light on the latter and expose its flaws, stupidity—well, it often doesn’t respond to reason. And, interestingly, he clarifies that being “silly” isn’t about lacking education. Some of the most misguided individuals he encountered in Germany were, in fact, very well educated.
What he means is that there’s a failure of morality at play. It’s about surrendering independent thought—a troubling kind of intellectual contagion that allows propaganda to thrive, much like a harmful tumor, spreading through groups and movements. This isn’t a problem limited to one side; it’s prevalent across the board.
Bonhoeffer described this as a psychological issue, manifesting in crowds and movements. It’s not that people are inherently stupid. Rather, they choose not to think, allowing slogans to take the place of genuine ideas. In a sense, that’s the crux of the matter.
