Chapter 6: Stupidity and Power (The Basic Laws of Human Stupidity)

The extent to which the stupid person is dangerous depends on two things, the genetic factor (the inheritance of exceptional doses of the gene of stupidity), and the position of power in society.

Among bureaucrats, generals, politicians and heads of state one has little difficulty in finding clear examples of basically stupid individuals whose damaging capacity was (or is) alarmingly enhanced by the position of power *’which they occupied (or occupy). Religious dignitaries should not be overlooked.

Carlo Cipolla, The Basic Laws of Human Stupidity

"A gilded No is more satisfactory than a dry yes" - Gracian