The Basic Laws of Human Stupidity

The stupid are all around us: they are in every place, in every class, ready to cause damage to others and naturally (they are stupid, are they not?) to themselves.

The stupid form the most dangerous category of human beings. Woe betide those who underestimate them. The historian Carlo M. Cipolla wrote this essay in a constructive effort to detect, know, and thus possible neutralize one of the most powerful, dark forces which hinder the growth of human welfare and happiness. And if it then proves impossible to save ourselves from stupidity, at least we can take vengeance by laughing at it.

• Publisher's Note
• The Mad Millers to the Reader
• Introduction

1. The First Basic Law
2. The Second Basic Law
3. A Technical Interlude
4. The Third (and Golden) Basic Law
5. Frequency Distribution
6. Stupidity and Power
7. The Power of Stupidity
8. The Fourth Basic Law
9. Macro Analysis and the Fifth Basic Law

• Appendix

Loved it! Short, succinct, fully explained and makes sense.

It may not be to everyone's taste, as it takes a pretty cynical view, but it makes a clear case for its laws, that I can't even begin to argue with!

Recommended reading.