Causes Quote by Carlo M. Cipolla
“A stupid person is a person who causes losses to another person or to a group of persons while himself deriving no gain and even possibly incurring losses.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Basic Laws of Human Stupidity, 1975
Defines a stupid person as one who harms others without personal benefit, often harming themselves.
In simple terms: Harming others without gain.
Key Takeaway
Avoid actions that hurt others for no reason.
Themes
stupidity
ethics
social cost
Mood
critical
educational
Type
ethical
analytical
When to use this quote
- workplace policies
- public safety
- education curricula
Key Concepts
economics
behavioral science
risk assessment
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies deter self‑defeating behavior?
- What incentives reduce harmful actions?
A Different Perspective
Stupidity can be self‑destructive and socially costly.
![“Well the first time I performed, my mom was like how she is now when sees me on stage – all red, smiling from ear to ear. So I don’t want to mess up, [be]cause she’s smiling. Seeing my mom happy is kind of like an overwhelming feeling.” quote by Chris Brown](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/477/chris-brown-1887_causes_well-the-first-time-i-performed-my-mom-w_4699.jpg)