Why read The Basic Laws of Human Stupidity?

Book cover of The Basic Laws of Human Stupidity

Book description

'A classic' - Simon Kuper, Financial Times

'Brilliant' - James O'Brien, author of How to be Right

The five laws that confirm our worst fears: stupid people can and do rule the world.

Since time immemorial, a powerful dark force has hindered the growth of human welfare and happiness. It…

Explore

Topics

Genres

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked The Basic Laws of Human Stupidity as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Andrew Scott

Author

This very short book is a miniature masterpiece. Though written in 1976, it is startling in its relevance to our age and times setting out the five principles of stupidity and why they matter. Without ruining the book for you, Cipolla’s central thesis is that ‘stupidity’ exists in the same quantity throughout all tiers of society. So, you have the same degree of stupid authors as stupid barristers, doctors, tree surgeons, and plumbers and that this is unfortunate because: “a stupid person is the most dangerous kind of person.” Ultimately the book explains why, throughout history, we have elevated stupid…

From Andrew's list on The best books to fight fake history.