So Stupid

Lately I've thought a lot about stupidity. I've heard a lot of gripes about how annoying stupid people are. I've got some thoughts about that.

First, I think I used to get annoyed by stupidity in general. Life teaches some little lessons as we go along, and those who are keen enough, they learn a great deal.

Second, stupidity is a relative term. When I hear someone complaining about how stupid someone is for doing some dumb thing ---I think an illustration would help.

I know a guy who works as a tech support guy for an internet provider. Well, he's got this irk about people calling in with issues that could've been solved if the person had just read what was on their screen. He thinks these people are stupid. Well, in their defense, they had to be intelligent enough to find a tech support phone number and succeed in calling it to work out a problem. This reflects at least a primary level of intelligent thought. And why is this guy irked over something like this? These "stupid people" are his job security. The ones he calls idiots ensure that he'll be employed for months and months to come. If he's complaining about dealing with stupid people, maybe he shouldn't be a tech support guy. I think it's kind of stupid of him. So there you go -the ones who complain about stupidity in others are letting their own stupidity shine in the very act of complaining. What do they expect from the world? In case they hadn't noticed, the world is full of all different levels of intelligence. Surprising, I know. Heaven forbid you should run into someone not as smart as you, dummy.

Third, if you're letting yourself be bothered by stupidity, you're missing out on a lot of good real-world experience. I'm serious. I'm not promoting stupidity; I believe in education and improvement. But interacting with the "stupid" people is what gives life vibrance, flavor, and balance. I can't imagine what life would be like without that opposing factor. Lehi understood this principle. I'm just starting to get it.

Fourth, I've found stupid folks (in general) to be amazingly resourceful and at the same time, entertaining. They've survived in this world of "intellectuals" thus far; they must have some sort of "street smarts" or whatever you'll call it.
I used to shy away from those uncomfortable situations involving stupid or weird people. I'd feel awkward or uncomfortable and not know how to react. Now I thrive on these situations! You'll come away with a great story to tell every time!

I hope I'm not coming off as arrogant. In talking about "stupid" people, it kind of sounds like I'm placing myself in a higher position, "above" the stupidity. Let's be real honest, we've all got a little bit of stupidity hidden behind our smart faces. Little by little, we learn to overcome it, or in many cases, hide it really well.

Since I've realized all of this, I've found myself gritting my teeth less, laughing more, and enjoying life a whole lot.

Complain all you'd like; I'll take a stupid person over an irritable one any day.