The Natural History of Stupidity

For the most part, Paul Tabori is content to relate the history of stupidity, piling example upon example. An objective scholar, he points no moral, draws no lesson. Yet, as a sensitive human being, he cannot keep from expressing his shock and dismay. “Stupidity,” he tells us sadly, “is Man’s deadliest weapon, his most devastating epidemic, his costliest luxury.” Does Tabori suggest a sure cure for stupidity? Does he foresee an early end to this blight? He has some ideas, bearing on psychological health, and he has some hope. But he knows the human race too well to promise much. To do more, the evidence of centuries being what it is, would be still another example of stupidity. RICHARD ARMOUR