Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.” – George Carlin

Judging from the number of times we use the word “stupid” in our daily discourse, you might conclude that it’s on our minds a lot.  It should come as no surprise that Merriam-Webster has numerous definitions for stupid.  We have all vilified a stupid computer that loses our work, or one that insists on peppering us with stupid popups.  Exasperating events, as well as those which hold no interest for us, happen much too often. 

It is a rare person who has never made a stupid decision, although those committed by unthinking individuals other than ourselves are much more common.  For folks who are slow of mind, prone to unintelligent choices, acting in a careless manner, or just lacking in reason, MW also has a word.  Stupid.

Whether driven by our preoccupation with stupidity or by our giddy infatuation with technology, we are rapidly pressing onward with the development of Artificial Intelligence.  American author Sebastian de Grazia, who is often described as the “Father of Leisure”, predicted in 1967 that by the year 2020 automation technologies would give us a 16 hour workweek.  Sebastian also warned that this would lead to boredom, immorality and personal violence.  We are still waiting for the 16-hour workweek. <continue reading>