Accident Quote by Remy de Gourmont
““It was an accident that has endowed man with intelligence. He has made use of it: he invented stupidity.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: La Vie des idées, 1910
Intelligence arose by chance, but humans misuse it by creating foolishness.
In simple terms: Accidents gave us brains; we chose stupidity.
Key Takeaway
Beware how we apply intellect.
Themes
human nature
intelligence
folly
Mood
cautious
critical
Type
philosophical
satirical
When to use this quote
- education reform
- policy making
- media literacy
Key Concepts
cognitive bias
misuse of reason
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we channel intellect toward wisdom?
- What safeguards stop stupidity from spreading?
A Different Perspective
Intelligence alone doesn't prevent irrational behavior.
![“Like Anaximander, [Anaxagoras] believed that everything emerged from something indeterminate and confused; but he added that what caused the emergence from that state was the organizing intelligence, the Mind, just as in man, it is the intelligence which draws thought from cerebral undulations…” quote by Emile Faguet](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/da8/emile-faguet-78658_intelligence_like-anaximander-anaxagoras-believed-tha_1399379.jpg)
