Part 5/7:
Confronting Stupidity: The Way Forward
The critical challenge lies in addressing this pervasive issue of stupidity. Bonhoeffer argued that combating it requires not just intellectual discourse but also a liberation of mind—a rejection of blind conformity. He emphasized the importance of questioning authority and not readily accepting widely-held beliefs. Critical thinking and intellectual independence serve as shields against this malady.
To avoid falling prey to a collective stupidity, individuals must strive for self-awareness, resisting the allure of groupthink. Bonhoeffer knew that it's easy to conform for comfort, yet throughout history, the consequences of such compliance have proven disastrous.