Peter Drucker said, "strong people have strong weaknesses." Elon Musk proves that point. I have followed his career closely since 1999 when he sold Zip2 to Compaq. He is one of the most brilliant people I know of, and also one of the most ignorant.
he is brilliant. My understanding is he had a possibly "traumatic" childhood & could be on the autism spectrum. That 'could' affect the way he comes across in the way he presents himself.
I do make some things political, but certainly not everything. And when I see what Trump and Musk and the MAGA folks are trying to do with this great country of ours, I feel an obligation to speak up.
Because separating it into a separate thread allows each thread to be read without scrolling - and if both threads are active that would eliminate a lot of scrolling!
Thank you Mardy, for attaching contemporary "executive" issues to a universal concept. Your analysis of Mr Musk's behaviors is nothing short of jaw dropping. My unrestand consternation comes from not finding any of these concepts or thoughts coming from members of our elected congress. But again . . . that's your point. Where's the possi when it's needed?
Life is political. What goes on in the White House/Downing St/European parliament whatever, it affects our lives. Politics cannot be avoided unless we go and live in a cave.
life is political, however, as some have tried to point out coming to a site where some intellectual discussion & learning about quotes, reading, the hard work that Mardy has dedicated his life to can give us some respite in the divisive political world of today. We can find plenty of that elsewhere. As could Mardy if he so chooses. The CAN be a bit of a cave that some need during the week.
You could be right, but we are in unusual times. It's difficult for me at the moment as a pro EU Brit in London with family members in the US, and having been a frequent visitor and traveller all over the US ,to close my eyes to what is going on in the world. And some of the best literature was written during times of political conflict that were featured in the writings during those times. I think Dr Mardy strikes a good balance which cannot be easy especially in the US just at the moment. Any way, nice talking to you.
I was shocked and dismayed by this week's writing, Mardy. I have always enjoyed your efforts as appealing to the intellect and staying above the sordid reality of much of today's world. I hope this is the last time that you base your article on your personal politics. You are entitled to them, but not to let them intrude on our weekly enjoyment.
I also would suggest that there's something fundamentally fallacious about your analysis of ignorance. As I was reading, I kept thinking about all the many mistakes I've made in my life due to ignorance. Yet I am well-educated, somewhat knowledgeable on a wide range of subjects, but certainly ignorant on all subjects at various levels of detail.
I would respectively suggest that the issue is not ignorance itself, but how we treat it. Do we humbly accept that our understanding may be wrong or that there are additional truths that, if known, would change our opinion - or do we arrogantly stay firm in our beliefs?
As far as your rant about Elon Musk (it really can be called nothing less), I would classify you as being arrogant. And that is a descriptor that I never would have thought to apply to you. You know the respect I have held you in.
I'm not going to debate your accusations (and many are debatable in my opinion), except where you challenge his emotional intelligence. I've heard many times that Musk is autistic and, if true, would that not explain his lack of empathy - and, with your professional expertise, should you not know that?
I do hope that next week we return to the enjoyable intellectual discussion of past writing.
That's interesting. I am a long, long time subscriber of this newsletter and have objected to some political remarks in it in the past, back when Donald Trump was first elected in particular. I have voted for Donald Trump now three times, and am quite conservative in my political views.
But I took no offense this week to hearing Dr Mardy express his political opinion. He makes a persuasive case, and I learned from what he said. Though i disagree to some extent, his opinion comes more from wisdom, I thought, than from ignorance.
And his "rant" on Elon Musk seemed mighty mild compared to what I read from Elon Musk himself about others on an almost daily basis. I have never met him, but I have been in his periphery since as a lawyer I was tangentially involved when he sold Zip2 to Compaq in 1999. Then when I became an entrepreneur working on electric cars in 2002 I saw him become involved himself the next year and eventually carry the whole industry on his back to make it the spectacular success it is today.
The man is a genius and an ignoramus. I think it is fair to praise his genius and/or to criticize his ignorance. I do both, and learn a lot from reading what others think of him as well. And while he may have some traits that put him on the autism spectrum, I think it's still fair to criticize his faults in that regard. I don't think with his faults he should have any role in government. I strongly believe that.
Not to say that you are wrong to chastise Dr Mardy, but I was surprised to read your comment. My reaction to this week's newsletter was quite different from yours.
Interesting to read your alternative reaction, John! I've followed Mardy and admired his scholarship since 2008. We've also had many personal email exchanges during that time.
I think my primary reaction was disappointment that my weekly oasis of intellectual consideration was invaded by typically harsh US politics, which I, even as a Canadian, follow daily.
I regret that I only sent one comment. My criticism of the political content overshadowed a potential discussion on ignorance itself. I liked your pertinent quote on science. I just don't think ignorance is an issue. We are all ignorant to varying degrees in various areas. It's how we treat that ignorance that is critical.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Nick. When I see efforts to disparage and dismantle USAID and Social Security--two aspects of the government that I deeply cherish--I'm going to challenge the disparagers and the dismantlers. I don't do it very often, but in this case, I believed silence would be a form of complicity. I was speaking from the heart, not from an arrogant place. A world without USAID is a world in which millions of people--mainly children--in the poorest parts of the world will suffer and die. And if anything similar happens to Social Security, it means our longstanding "social safety net" will be gone. Imagine a world like that. I deliberately did not mention Musk's neurodiverse condition, but I don't want anyone incapable of empathy gleefully taking a wrecking ball to one of our nation's most important "entitlement" programs.
Fair enough, Mardy - and I understand your concerns.
I have no inside knowledge of Trump and Musk's strategy and I would suggest it is far too early to criticize it.
Looking at it as a concerned outsider from a political viewpoint, it seems to me that Trump has less than two years to implement the changes he wants; and, from a systemic viewpoint, he is taking the logical approach of Expose-Destroy-Rebuild.
The criticism of his approach would have much more credibility if the corruption and bad system design were acknowledged - which does not seem to be happening from his critics. An alternative approach might instill more credibility too. As long as it wasn't to create committees to study the problems and to initiate changes. Sorry, I should have added the initial committee to select the members of the other committees!
As far as Musk and his American chainsaw is concerned, it seems he is doing what he is doing from a strong sense of patriotism. Why else would he add such a large, potentially Sisyphean burden to the many productive businesses that he is running?
I wrote a reply to your comment, Nick, but for some reason it did not show up in the thread. I believe I sent it to your regular e-mail address instead. I would hope we can continue to be friends even though we disagree on certain matters.
I never received that reply, Mardy (and also had a reply in process 'disappear').
I think it very sad that you even felt you had to ask the question. What value does friendship add if friends agree on everything? Yet, also sadly, I understand your need to ask the question in this polarized society we find ourselves in.
We've been corresponding now for nearly 20 years, and I value the friendship we've developed. My only regret is that, living on opposite sides of the continent and, in my case, having a limited ability to travel, we will likely never meet in person.
"Science is the belief in the ignorance of experts." This statement about ignorance came to my mind when I read this week's excellent newsletter. It comes from Richard Feynman, a brilliant Nobel-prize winning physicist and student of human nature.
What did he mean by that? That in science we should never rely on someone else's expertise without verifying their data and reasoning. The same applies, I think, in areas other than science as well. In all things, trust, but verify.
This problem came up during the Covid-19 pandemic. Well-meaning experts like Anthony Fauci told us what the science was, and I and many others believed them. But it turned out that many times they were as ignorant as we were and were giving us opinion rather than fact. Now many people distrust public health experts and we may suffer for it as vaccination rates wane.
Richard Feynman was speaking to an audience of high school science teachers when he made his comment, and he was telling them not to trust him and other scientists blindly as experts but to demand the data so they could see for themselves. So while we should try to limit our own ignorance, we should also assume that others, even experts, are ignorant in important matters unless we can verify what they say. While expertise is worthy of respect, it's no guarantee that the expert is not ignorant.
Well Mardy, you asked for it, as a few of your detractors are commenting. Congratulations on having the guts to say what so many of us are struggling with. Your topic was ignorance, but your real subject was the actions of the one man whose behavior is potentially destroying democracy and America, whether out of ignorance or some form of wealthy pride or showmanship. Whatever “genius” qualities Musk has coexist with his bizarre behavior and opinions. Steve Jobs was also a genius and he too had bizarre behaviors but not ones that threatened our country. Just as we cannot see our own face directly, we cannot see our ignorance’s, but with humility and curiosity we can seek to learn and understand. Thank you for echoing the fears Musk and Trump are arousing in the 75 million who voted against Trump and the countless others who are now sorry they voted for him.
Might I add..... Musk's ignorance is threatening more than just 'our country'... it threatens the world. I don't believe we can excuse behavior like this under any circumstances. To do so, would be to partner 'ignorance' with stupidity. Those who voted GOP were naive and only now realize the error. I hope this nightmare ends soon.
Let me play with the theme "Ignorance in Action" for a minute to point out that Inaction = Ignorance. MARDY, thank you for putting it out there. You have an audience and you used it!
I began reading & immediately recognized one of my favorite authors!! He truly was a great.
Then a thought popped into my mind about ignorance: "ya never know what ya never know"
then it became political. I am trying to stay away from all the politically divisive writings. I am not ignorant. I am forming my opinions based on reading some non-biased, both sided writing. I don't come here for politics. I got censored by you due to politics before. BTW, if you remember, I wasn't stumping for Trump at the time, I was pointing out some hypocrisy from Walz. Which brings up my favorite political banner, since you've opened the political door:
There's nothing worse than a conservative bigot, unless it's a liberal hypocrit.
your statement "it dawned on me that this exact form of pulling down was happening right now in our own country." made me think that's a VERY strong, proven way of what got Trump elected. The liberals were calling anyone who wasn't voting for Harris stupid, dumb, idiots. I was going to vote Independent, which is how I've voted many times in the past. I generally do not declare who I plan to vote for, as was the norm in "days past". I had libs get in my face automatically assuming I was a Trump supporter & accuse me of voting for Hitler - which was an exaggerated LIE, tell me I was stupid - tell me I HAD TO VOTE FOR HARRIS!! Many Trump supporters around me were getting angrier the more they were being called stupid, ignorant. Voters undecided were pulled to the right because they were called ignorant if they didn't know enough to automatically know to vote for Harris.
and I might add, based on other readings there are still many liberals calling all, I might add ALL, the conservatives stupid. That's not very wise to clump so many together like that. They apparently aren't learning from their mistakes.
I don't believe I was making any broad, disparaging generalizations about Trump and Musk, dj. People who do that are wrong, whether on the left or the right. My motivation was indeed expressed in my thought: "It dawned on me that this exact form of pulling down was happening right now in our own country." If you see the dismantling that is going on in Washington as a good thing, then that is your opinion. I happen to disagree, but I'm never going to call you a moron for thinking so.
I understand the sentiment behind your statement - I was commenting on what immediately came to my mind from reading it & tied it in with the topic of ignorance - I have no idea if you’re aware of how often/common it was/is for libs, especially progressives to call those on the right ignorant —-had nothing to do with your following thoughts…
Brilliant analysis. USAID was a relatively inexpensive program that literally saved the lives of millions of people (many of whom were babies). I would think the so-called "pro-life" movement would applaud that. Maybe they're not so pro-life after all? No need to fret for the babies though, China has moved in to take our place. Once seen as saviors, my beloved America is starting to be perceived as the international A**hole bully.
Thanks, Stacy. USAID was certainly not perfect, but what it did was one of the world's great examples of "soft power." And, you are correct, I believe, in suggesting that were are conceding the territory to our adversaries around the world.
My goodness. This week's post sure has stirred things up. "Strong minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, weak minds discuss people" (Socrates). The discussion of ideas is always a good thing. It helps us to learn. Thanks for stirring the pot, Mardy.
Thanks, Scott. I believe it is an important debate for the country to have, and I just wish the Republicans in Congress were willing to debate it instead of just giving a rubber stamp to Trump and Musk. BTW, I don't believe that is an accurate Socrates quote. A similar thought it commonly attributed to Eleanor Roosevelt, but nobody has ever provided any compelling evidence that she said it either.
Dr. Mardy you have gone over the edge and have lost this subscriber. Your attack on Elon Musk is over the top and so left sided it’s pathetic. In the last year you have become political to the point that I find it disgusting. Attacking Individuals should not be part of a weekly newsletter titled “Quotes of the Week.” Shame on you.
If you will recall, I did not delete your posts because I disagreed with you, but because they contained highly objectionable content. If you'd like to exit as well, please feel free to do so. Reading my newsletter is not compulsory.
Perhaps I remember incorrectly —- I posted a link of a “turn your neighbor in” that was kept live for 2 yrs from COVID. That days column was the history of The Golden Rule which I love. 2 of my sons, on their wedding days asked each parent (1 son)or everyone (other son) to write their best advice. Mine was to use The Golden Rule with your partner so I was going to share your column with them until you used Walz as an example. The link I posted on the comments had a neighbor turning in her neighbor, at least a year after COVID started, on the hotline for going to her Lutheran church’s potluck dinner I didn’t think that followed The Golden Rule, of that neighbor nor of Walz for issuing the hotline in the first place or keeping it live for so long.
Then you deleted that & our comments got heated & I posted more negative political stuff & that was that
Sorry to see you go, Jim. Please don't equate criticism with attack, though. And please remember we can disagree and still be pals. There was nothing inherently ideological or "attacking" in my remarks about Musk, though. No public official is immune from criticism. If I had called Musk a traitor, that would have been "over the top" and wrong--and you would have been absolutely right to call me out on it. Are you also willing to call Musk out for saying Senator Kelly is a traitor?
One of my favorite aphorisms (from whence it came, I know not where) has always been: "The difference between ignorance and stupidity is that ignorance is curable by knowledge, but stupidity is forever ..."
Our current political scene, of which today's missive is so prescient, is the outstanding example of another saying that comes to mind in addition to the foregoing: "In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king." However, when that one-eyed man is also ignorant of his own stupidity, the people of that land (for instance, the current USA) are in trouble, bigly ...
Mardy, you hit another one out of the ballpark. Keep on keepin' on.
Enough with Musk? It's the first time I've ever mentioned him.
Peter Drucker said, "strong people have strong weaknesses." Elon Musk proves that point. I have followed his career closely since 1999 when he sold Zip2 to Compaq. He is one of the most brilliant people I know of, and also one of the most ignorant.
he is brilliant. My understanding is he had a possibly "traumatic" childhood & could be on the autism spectrum. That 'could' affect the way he comes across in the way he presents himself.
Thanks, John. I've always loved that Drucker quote. I also enjoyed your final pithy point!
But some are more imperfect than others.
You said "No human is perfect." It was my response but sorry, I should have used the REPLY button.
Well, that's an ignorant comment, isn't it?
I do make some things political, but certainly not everything. And when I see what Trump and Musk and the MAGA folks are trying to do with this great country of ours, I feel an obligation to speak up.
Speak up by all means, Mardy - but do you have to do it here?
Yes Nick he does... and I'm glad he did. If you have a 'platform' to reach more people ... USE IT. BRAVO Mardy.
Where else would I do it, Nick?
It's like a baker adding a toxic ingredient to a well-loved recipe just because he has it.
I understand you have a large audience and you want to express your patriotic concerns. So why not do it in a separate thread?
Why not just scroll over it?
Because separating it into a separate thread allows each thread to be read without scrolling - and if both threads are active that would eliminate a lot of scrolling!
Thank you Mardy, for attaching contemporary "executive" issues to a universal concept. Your analysis of Mr Musk's behaviors is nothing short of jaw dropping. My unrestand consternation comes from not finding any of these concepts or thoughts coming from members of our elected congress. But again . . . that's your point. Where's the possi when it's needed?
Thanks, Mike. Yes, where the "posse" when it's needed?
Life is political. What goes on in the White House/Downing St/European parliament whatever, it affects our lives. Politics cannot be avoided unless we go and live in a cave.
life is political, however, as some have tried to point out coming to a site where some intellectual discussion & learning about quotes, reading, the hard work that Mardy has dedicated his life to can give us some respite in the divisive political world of today. We can find plenty of that elsewhere. As could Mardy if he so chooses. The CAN be a bit of a cave that some need during the week.
You could be right, but we are in unusual times. It's difficult for me at the moment as a pro EU Brit in London with family members in the US, and having been a frequent visitor and traveller all over the US ,to close my eyes to what is going on in the world. And some of the best literature was written during times of political conflict that were featured in the writings during those times. I think Dr Mardy strikes a good balance which cannot be easy especially in the US just at the moment. Any way, nice talking to you.
Thanks, Christine. I do try "to strike a good balance."
One of my favorite quips: "what's the difference between ignorance and apathy? I don't know and I don't care".
A classic!
I was shocked and dismayed by this week's writing, Mardy. I have always enjoyed your efforts as appealing to the intellect and staying above the sordid reality of much of today's world. I hope this is the last time that you base your article on your personal politics. You are entitled to them, but not to let them intrude on our weekly enjoyment.
I also would suggest that there's something fundamentally fallacious about your analysis of ignorance. As I was reading, I kept thinking about all the many mistakes I've made in my life due to ignorance. Yet I am well-educated, somewhat knowledgeable on a wide range of subjects, but certainly ignorant on all subjects at various levels of detail.
I would respectively suggest that the issue is not ignorance itself, but how we treat it. Do we humbly accept that our understanding may be wrong or that there are additional truths that, if known, would change our opinion - or do we arrogantly stay firm in our beliefs?
As far as your rant about Elon Musk (it really can be called nothing less), I would classify you as being arrogant. And that is a descriptor that I never would have thought to apply to you. You know the respect I have held you in.
I'm not going to debate your accusations (and many are debatable in my opinion), except where you challenge his emotional intelligence. I've heard many times that Musk is autistic and, if true, would that not explain his lack of empathy - and, with your professional expertise, should you not know that?
I do hope that next week we return to the enjoyable intellectual discussion of past writing.
That's interesting. I am a long, long time subscriber of this newsletter and have objected to some political remarks in it in the past, back when Donald Trump was first elected in particular. I have voted for Donald Trump now three times, and am quite conservative in my political views.
But I took no offense this week to hearing Dr Mardy express his political opinion. He makes a persuasive case, and I learned from what he said. Though i disagree to some extent, his opinion comes more from wisdom, I thought, than from ignorance.
And his "rant" on Elon Musk seemed mighty mild compared to what I read from Elon Musk himself about others on an almost daily basis. I have never met him, but I have been in his periphery since as a lawyer I was tangentially involved when he sold Zip2 to Compaq in 1999. Then when I became an entrepreneur working on electric cars in 2002 I saw him become involved himself the next year and eventually carry the whole industry on his back to make it the spectacular success it is today.
The man is a genius and an ignoramus. I think it is fair to praise his genius and/or to criticize his ignorance. I do both, and learn a lot from reading what others think of him as well. And while he may have some traits that put him on the autism spectrum, I think it's still fair to criticize his faults in that regard. I don't think with his faults he should have any role in government. I strongly believe that.
Not to say that you are wrong to chastise Dr Mardy, but I was surprised to read your comment. My reaction to this week's newsletter was quite different from yours.
Interesting to read your alternative reaction, John! I've followed Mardy and admired his scholarship since 2008. We've also had many personal email exchanges during that time.
I think my primary reaction was disappointment that my weekly oasis of intellectual consideration was invaded by typically harsh US politics, which I, even as a Canadian, follow daily.
I regret that I only sent one comment. My criticism of the political content overshadowed a potential discussion on ignorance itself. I liked your pertinent quote on science. I just don't think ignorance is an issue. We are all ignorant to varying degrees in various areas. It's how we treat that ignorance that is critical.
Thanks, Nick. I would only add that we can disagree on many subjects and still be friends.
Without question, Mardy!
Thanks, John, that was a thoughtful and well-reasoned reply.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Nick. When I see efforts to disparage and dismantle USAID and Social Security--two aspects of the government that I deeply cherish--I'm going to challenge the disparagers and the dismantlers. I don't do it very often, but in this case, I believed silence would be a form of complicity. I was speaking from the heart, not from an arrogant place. A world without USAID is a world in which millions of people--mainly children--in the poorest parts of the world will suffer and die. And if anything similar happens to Social Security, it means our longstanding "social safety net" will be gone. Imagine a world like that. I deliberately did not mention Musk's neurodiverse condition, but I don't want anyone incapable of empathy gleefully taking a wrecking ball to one of our nation's most important "entitlement" programs.
Fair enough, Mardy - and I understand your concerns.
I have no inside knowledge of Trump and Musk's strategy and I would suggest it is far too early to criticize it.
Looking at it as a concerned outsider from a political viewpoint, it seems to me that Trump has less than two years to implement the changes he wants; and, from a systemic viewpoint, he is taking the logical approach of Expose-Destroy-Rebuild.
The criticism of his approach would have much more credibility if the corruption and bad system design were acknowledged - which does not seem to be happening from his critics. An alternative approach might instill more credibility too. As long as it wasn't to create committees to study the problems and to initiate changes. Sorry, I should have added the initial committee to select the members of the other committees!
As far as Musk and his American chainsaw is concerned, it seems he is doing what he is doing from a strong sense of patriotism. Why else would he add such a large, potentially Sisyphean burden to the many productive businesses that he is running?
I wrote a reply to your comment, Nick, but for some reason it did not show up in the thread. I believe I sent it to your regular e-mail address instead. I would hope we can continue to be friends even though we disagree on certain matters.
I never received that reply, Mardy (and also had a reply in process 'disappear').
I think it very sad that you even felt you had to ask the question. What value does friendship add if friends agree on everything? Yet, also sadly, I understand your need to ask the question in this polarized society we find ourselves in.
We've been corresponding now for nearly 20 years, and I value the friendship we've developed. My only regret is that, living on opposite sides of the continent and, in my case, having a limited ability to travel, we will likely never meet in person.
Thanks for your kind reply, Nick. My traveling days are over, but my door here in North Carolina is always open to you!
"Science is the belief in the ignorance of experts." This statement about ignorance came to my mind when I read this week's excellent newsletter. It comes from Richard Feynman, a brilliant Nobel-prize winning physicist and student of human nature.
What did he mean by that? That in science we should never rely on someone else's expertise without verifying their data and reasoning. The same applies, I think, in areas other than science as well. In all things, trust, but verify.
This problem came up during the Covid-19 pandemic. Well-meaning experts like Anthony Fauci told us what the science was, and I and many others believed them. But it turned out that many times they were as ignorant as we were and were giving us opinion rather than fact. Now many people distrust public health experts and we may suffer for it as vaccination rates wane.
Richard Feynman was speaking to an audience of high school science teachers when he made his comment, and he was telling them not to trust him and other scientists blindly as experts but to demand the data so they could see for themselves. So while we should try to limit our own ignorance, we should also assume that others, even experts, are ignorant in important matters unless we can verify what they say. While expertise is worthy of respect, it's no guarantee that the expert is not ignorant.
Thanks for your additional comments, John, and also for reminding us about the wonderful Feynman quote.
Well Mardy, you asked for it, as a few of your detractors are commenting. Congratulations on having the guts to say what so many of us are struggling with. Your topic was ignorance, but your real subject was the actions of the one man whose behavior is potentially destroying democracy and America, whether out of ignorance or some form of wealthy pride or showmanship. Whatever “genius” qualities Musk has coexist with his bizarre behavior and opinions. Steve Jobs was also a genius and he too had bizarre behaviors but not ones that threatened our country. Just as we cannot see our own face directly, we cannot see our ignorance’s, but with humility and curiosity we can seek to learn and understand. Thank you for echoing the fears Musk and Trump are arousing in the 75 million who voted against Trump and the countless others who are now sorry they voted for him.
Might I add..... Musk's ignorance is threatening more than just 'our country'... it threatens the world. I don't believe we can excuse behavior like this under any circumstances. To do so, would be to partner 'ignorance' with stupidity. Those who voted GOP were naive and only now realize the error. I hope this nightmare ends soon.
Thanks, Michael, I appreciate your thoughts on the subject.
Let me play with the theme "Ignorance in Action" for a minute to point out that Inaction = Ignorance. MARDY, thank you for putting it out there. You have an audience and you used it!
Thanks, Arlene.
I began reading & immediately recognized one of my favorite authors!! He truly was a great.
Then a thought popped into my mind about ignorance: "ya never know what ya never know"
then it became political. I am trying to stay away from all the politically divisive writings. I am not ignorant. I am forming my opinions based on reading some non-biased, both sided writing. I don't come here for politics. I got censored by you due to politics before. BTW, if you remember, I wasn't stumping for Trump at the time, I was pointing out some hypocrisy from Walz. Which brings up my favorite political banner, since you've opened the political door:
There's nothing worse than a conservative bigot, unless it's a liberal hypocrit.
your statement "it dawned on me that this exact form of pulling down was happening right now in our own country." made me think that's a VERY strong, proven way of what got Trump elected. The liberals were calling anyone who wasn't voting for Harris stupid, dumb, idiots. I was going to vote Independent, which is how I've voted many times in the past. I generally do not declare who I plan to vote for, as was the norm in "days past". I had libs get in my face automatically assuming I was a Trump supporter & accuse me of voting for Hitler - which was an exaggerated LIE, tell me I was stupid - tell me I HAD TO VOTE FOR HARRIS!! Many Trump supporters around me were getting angrier the more they were being called stupid, ignorant. Voters undecided were pulled to the right because they were called ignorant if they didn't know enough to automatically know to vote for Harris.
and I might add, based on other readings there are still many liberals calling all, I might add ALL, the conservatives stupid. That's not very wise to clump so many together like that. They apparently aren't learning from their mistakes.
I don't believe I was making any broad, disparaging generalizations about Trump and Musk, dj. People who do that are wrong, whether on the left or the right. My motivation was indeed expressed in my thought: "It dawned on me that this exact form of pulling down was happening right now in our own country." If you see the dismantling that is going on in Washington as a good thing, then that is your opinion. I happen to disagree, but I'm never going to call you a moron for thinking so.
I understand the sentiment behind your statement - I was commenting on what immediately came to my mind from reading it & tied it in with the topic of ignorance - I have no idea if you’re aware of how often/common it was/is for libs, especially progressives to call those on the right ignorant —-had nothing to do with your following thoughts…
Brilliant analysis. USAID was a relatively inexpensive program that literally saved the lives of millions of people (many of whom were babies). I would think the so-called "pro-life" movement would applaud that. Maybe they're not so pro-life after all? No need to fret for the babies though, China has moved in to take our place. Once seen as saviors, my beloved America is starting to be perceived as the international A**hole bully.
Thanks, Stacy. USAID was certainly not perfect, but what it did was one of the world's great examples of "soft power." And, you are correct, I believe, in suggesting that were are conceding the territory to our adversaries around the world.
My goodness. This week's post sure has stirred things up. "Strong minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, weak minds discuss people" (Socrates). The discussion of ideas is always a good thing. It helps us to learn. Thanks for stirring the pot, Mardy.
I always attributed that quote to Eleanor Roosevelt. Mardy - can you weigh in?
Nothing seems to bring about passionate fervor than politics & sports.
“Us & Them” mentality that is controlled by our human brains.
Thanks, Manisha, see my reply above. Yes, "us and them" is a pretty primitive theme in human life!
Musk is a "people"
Thanks, Scott. I believe it is an important debate for the country to have, and I just wish the Republicans in Congress were willing to debate it instead of just giving a rubber stamp to Trump and Musk. BTW, I don't believe that is an accurate Socrates quote. A similar thought it commonly attributed to Eleanor Roosevelt, but nobody has ever provided any compelling evidence that she said it either.
Wow! A timely set of quotes and observations.
Thanks, Bob. We are right in the middle of truly historic times.
I am grateful for your thoughtful and lucid column today (I’m seeing it on March 30, 2025).
Thanks, David. You are seeing it on it's official pub date.
IGNO-RANT -- Speech filled with lies, false information, and prejudice.
I love it, Louis. Never before noticed the "rant" in "ignorant"! Thank you for that!
Dr. Mardy you have gone over the edge and have lost this subscriber. Your attack on Elon Musk is over the top and so left sided it’s pathetic. In the last year you have become political to the point that I find it disgusting. Attacking Individuals should not be part of a weekly newsletter titled “Quotes of the Week.” Shame on you.
he lost me for awhile when he censored me - yes, he actually deleted my posts. Then I returned a few weeks ago. Now, well...???
If you will recall, I did not delete your posts because I disagreed with you, but because they contained highly objectionable content. If you'd like to exit as well, please feel free to do so. Reading my newsletter is not compulsory.
Perhaps I remember incorrectly —- I posted a link of a “turn your neighbor in” that was kept live for 2 yrs from COVID. That days column was the history of The Golden Rule which I love. 2 of my sons, on their wedding days asked each parent (1 son)or everyone (other son) to write their best advice. Mine was to use The Golden Rule with your partner so I was going to share your column with them until you used Walz as an example. The link I posted on the comments had a neighbor turning in her neighbor, at least a year after COVID started, on the hotline for going to her Lutheran church’s potluck dinner I didn’t think that followed The Golden Rule, of that neighbor nor of Walz for issuing the hotline in the first place or keeping it live for so long.
Then you deleted that & our comments got heated & I posted more negative political stuff & that was that
Sorry to see you go, Jim. Please don't equate criticism with attack, though. And please remember we can disagree and still be pals. There was nothing inherently ideological or "attacking" in my remarks about Musk, though. No public official is immune from criticism. If I had called Musk a traitor, that would have been "over the top" and wrong--and you would have been absolutely right to call me out on it. Are you also willing to call Musk out for saying Senator Kelly is a traitor?
Do you think we should have stood up to Hitler? Where do we draw the line? Should we just sit there and do nothing? Make no use of our knowledge?
Well said, Mark. Thanks.
I have a quote, from Saturday Night Live, the "Weekend Update", Bill Murray, "Jane, you ignorant sl_t."
That was one of my all-time favorite SNL moments. I remember being shocked when it first appeared.
One of my favorite aphorisms (from whence it came, I know not where) has always been: "The difference between ignorance and stupidity is that ignorance is curable by knowledge, but stupidity is forever ..."
Our current political scene, of which today's missive is so prescient, is the outstanding example of another saying that comes to mind in addition to the foregoing: "In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king." However, when that one-eyed man is also ignorant of his own stupidity, the people of that land (for instance, the current USA) are in trouble, bigly ...
Mardy, you hit another one out of the ballpark. Keep on keepin' on.
Thanks, Ed. That quote is often attributed to Einstein, but it's never been verified. I appreciate your supportive words, my friend.