"Stupidity is a more dangerous enemy of the good than malice. One may protest against evil; it can be exposed and, if need be, prevented by use of force. Evil always carries within itself the germ of its own subversion in that it leaves behind in human beings at least a sense of unease. Against stupidity we are defenseless. Neither protests nor the use of force accomplish anything here; reasons fall on deaf ears; facts that contradict one’s prejudgment simply need not be believed – in such moments the stupid person even becomes critical – and when facts are irrefutable they are just pushed aside as inconsequential, as incidental. In all this the stupid person, in contrast to the malicious one, is utterly self satisfied and, being easily irritated, becomes dangerous by going on the attack. For that reason, greater caution is called for when dealing with a stupid person than with a malicious one. Never again will we try to persuade the stupid person with reasons, for it is senseless and dangerous."
Quote Details
Added by wikiquote-import-bot
Unverified quote
0 likes
Original Language: English
Available Languages (1)
Sources
The Bonhoeffer Reader, p. 766–7
https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Dietrich_Bonhoeffer
Revision History
No revisions have been submitted for this quote.
Categories
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
1906 – 1945
deutscher evang. Theologe und Widerstandskämpfer
95 quotes on TrueQuotesView all quotes by Dietrich Bonhoeffer →
Related Quotes
"There remains an experience of incomparable value. We have for once learned to see the great events of world history …"
"When the spirit touches man's heart and brow with thoughts that are lofty, bold, serene, so that with clear eyes he w…"
"Neither protest nor the use of force accomplish anything here; reasons fall on deaf ears; facts that contradicts one'…"
"We have been silent witnesses of evil deeds: we have been drenched by many storms; we have learnt the arts of equivoc…"
"Nicht aus dem schweren Boden wo Blut und Geschlecht und Schwur mächtig und heilig sind, wo die Erde selbst gegen Wahn…"
"Beside the staff of life, taken and fashioned from the heavy earth, beside our marriage, work, and war the free man, …"
"The activity will prove to be "peculiar" by leading the active person into Christ's own passion. This activity itself…"
"One may protest against evil; it can be exposed and, if need be, prevented by use of force. Evil always carries withi…"
"Greater caution is called for when dealing with a stupid person than with a malicious one."
"Sickened by vermin that feed, in the shade of the good, on envy, greed, and suspicion, by the snake-like hissing of v…"