It's always a pleasure to welcome Pastor Doug Wilson back to the podcast. In our 6th installment of the "Will and Doug Book Club," we explored a delightful little volume recommended by Doug after our last conversation about Herbert Schlossberg's "Idols for Destruction."
The book in question? Carlo Cipolla's "The Basic Laws of Human Stupidity."
A Discovery Worth Sharing
Doug shared how he stumbled upon this gem in a North Idaho bookstore while on vacation. Much like classic works such as "Parkinson's Law" or "The Peter Principle," Cipolla's book presents profound truths wrapped in satirical humor.
As Doug put it, reading it prompts thoughts like: "This is funny. This is hilarious. Oh, this is true."
The Laws of Human Stupidity
The book's first law states that "the number of stupid people is always larger than you think." Cipolla defines stupidity not as intellectual deficiency but as a particular kind of harmful behavior – actions that harm others while bringing no benefit (or even causing harm) to the person performing them.
Unlike criminals who follow rule-guided behavior (stealing your stereo because they want one), stupid people act in ways that make no sense and thus can't be anticipated or defended against. What makes Cipolla's observations particularly striking is his assertion that the percentage of stupid people remains constant across all demographics – from janitors to Nobel Prize winners.
Institutional Implications
As we discussed the book's relevance for institution builders, Doug acknowledged the challenge of creating organizations while accounting for stupidity as an inevitable force. He referenced a Seinfeld line – "People, they're the worst" – and noted that when building schools, colleges, or publishing houses, one must budget for the reality that someone will eventually do something destructive to themselves and everyone else.
Our Current Cultural Moment
Our conversation expanded beyond Cipolla to discuss the current political and cultural landscape. Doug expressed cautious optimism about the potential for economic improvement under the Trump administration and how this might address some of the bitterness among young men who've felt disenfranchised.
We explored how churches might build institutional "immune systems" against both leftist ideologies and the rising tide of what some call the "dank right" – young men carrying deep bitterness into reformed churches. Doug emphasized the importance of distinguishing between "apostles" (those who come to spread their ideology) and "refugees" (those genuinely seeking healing).
Addressing Roots of Bitterness
What struck me most was our discussion of bitterness. Doug quoted Hebrews 12, noting how a "root of bitterness" spreads like tree roots throughout one's life. He shared his father's wisdom that "bitterness is like eating a box of rat poison and then waiting for the rat to die." The person who wronged you thought you were nothing, and your bitterness says you agree.
For those trapped in online communities fostering such bitterness, Doug offered simple but profound advice: Turn to God, make a clean break (despite the "crabs in a bucket" who will try to pull you back in), and find a church that preaches the Bible faithfully.
Looking Forward
As we wrapped up, we agreed to focus our next conversation on Martin Luther's commentary on Galatians – returning to the theological deep waters that nourish true wisdom and virtue.
In a world filled with what Cipolla would categorize as stupidity, these conversations remind me of the clarity that comes from biblical wisdom. As Doug reminded us, reformation never happens "to the polite sound of background golf applause" – but through truth spoken clearly and in love.
