Why Stupidity is More Dangerous Than Evil

Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Theory of Stupidity – A Greater Threat Than Evil
According to Bonhoeffer, stupidity is more dangerous than malice because it blinds people to truth, making them easy prey for propaganda and manipulation. Unlike intelligence, stupidity is not a lack of intellect but a refusal to think critically—a phenomenon that spreads in groups and is reinforced by authoritarian power.

Stupid individuals cling to slogans, reject opposing views, and surrender moral responsibility, often committing evil without realizing it. Power thrives on this blindness, using propaganda to suppress independent thought.

True freedom, Bonhoeffer argues, requires both external and internal liberation—breaking free from oppressive ideologies and having the courage to think, question, and take responsibility.

In an age dominated by mass media and influencers, Bonhoeffer’s theory is more relevant than ever: critical thinking is not just a skill—it is a moral duty.