How to spot an idiot

This is just for starters.

Want to spot an idiot? Here are some more obvious signs. They include (but lordy, they are not limited to): 

• Constantly wrong and/or badly informed

• They say a big fat NO to learning or growing

• Never admit to mistakes or learn from them. They will double-down no matter what

• Waaaay too confident in their moronitude

• They don’t get that other people have different experiences 

• No grey areas, no nuances in thinking

• No accountability

• No curiosity

But there’s more…

Here’s the less obvious sign, according to J.B. Pritzker: 

“The best way to spot an idiot? Look for the person who is cruel.

Let me explain {…} When someone's path through this world is marked with acts of cruelty, they have failed the first test of an advanced society. They never forced their animal brain to evolve past its first instinct. They never forged new mental pathways to overcome their own instinctual fears. And so their thinking and problem-solving will lack the imagination and creativity that the kindest people have in spades. 

Over my many years in politics and business, I have found one thing to be universally true. The kindest person in the room is often the smartest.”

WHEW. This thought rocks because it’s so reliable in so many areas of life. People who aren’t very bright, or are lazy will blame their problems on strangers who are just minding their business, living life. 

Hell, they will even RESENT their own friends or family who get successful Even if the idiots saw them go through the depths of pure hell to get that success. 

Because all of that is easier than looking in the mirror, baby. 

Which begs one simple question…

Why can’t we pack ‘em up and send them to an island somewhere whyyyyyyyy?

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This excerpt is from Good Stuff to Read When You’re About to Lose Your Shit. Want to grab a copy? They’re here.