The Theory of Stupidity

When we think about what threatens society the most, we often assume it’s evil—corrupt leaders, greedy corporations, or violent criminals. These forces do exist, and they certainly cause harm, but Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German theologian and philosopher who resisted the Nazis, had a very different perspective. He believed that stupidity, not evil, is the greatest danger to humanity.

Please view this YouTube video to learn more.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer ( 4 February 1906 – 9 April 1945) was a German Lutheran pastor, neo-orthodox theologian and anti-Nazi dissident who was a key founding member of the Confessing Church. His writings on Christianity's role in the secular world have become widely influential; his 1937 book The Cost of Discipleship is described as a modern classic. Apart from his theological writings, Bonhoeffer was known for his staunch resistance to the Nazi dictatorship, including vocal opposition to Adolf Hitler's euthanasia program and genocidal persecution of Jews. He was arrested in April 1943 by the Gestapo and imprisoned at Tegel Prison for 1½ years. Later, he was transferred to Flossenbürg concentration camp.

Bonhoeffer was accused of being associated with the 20 July plot to assassinate Hitler and was tried along with other accused plotters, including former members of the Abwehr (the German Military Intelligence Office). He was hanged on 9 April 1945 during the collapse of the Nazi regime.