Part 4/7:
The Social Implications of Stupidity
Bonhoeffer’s concern extended beyond personal folly; he recognized the broader societal ramifications. Ignorance spreads like a contagion within groups, enabling authoritarian regimes to thrive. Individuals surrender their critical faculties and adopt a mindset of conformity. This phenomenon reflects what Bonhoeffer described as a "sociological law" where power breeds stupidity.
Much like George Orwell's portrayal in 1984, Bonhoeffer evidenced that powerful regimes do not merely control actions; they manipulate thought, rendering entire populations incapable of independent analysis. When faced with propaganda, individuals often relinquish their judgment, aligning with the prevailing narrative without question.