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For many years, before I learned better I would waste a lot of energy arguing with people about politics, the Bible, and other intellectual topics. Over the years I found a pattern. It is described in this 5 minute video. If you haven't heard of this theory before I recommend watching it. If you have read much of what I write on this site you will know that I do not believe we will convince the masses to use bitcoin through intellectual debate and persuasion. This video explains why. I think you will probably think of some examples of Bonhoeffer's theory in practice today..
On a personal note, my life and relationships are much better since I stopped the foolish pursuit of trying to win people over intellectually on topics like politics.
Thanks for sharing. Yep, I've given up trying to talk to many people about deep subjects. Just stick to the weather, movies, music etc 🤣
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I should say that I usually do not bring up these kinds of topics but if they do I gently feel them out. Most people are really just trying make conversation vs. truly being interested in exploring. The worst though are the people that think they are "informed" and are literally just parrots repeating what some media personality shills.
If I sense there is something deeper there to them I will ask a few questions. Many folks are just second-handers as Ayn Rand called them.
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That's so true! just making conversation lol I've been in situations where people say a few things and I mistakenly think they are not stupid and I start going deeper. The look of sheer panic in their face! That's when I realise they were just making small talk hehe And then there are just those who want to go slightly deeper but not too deep, just to have a mildly interesting convo' not to actually take it anywhere significant.
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Bonhoeffer's Theory of Stupidity is one big reason I am active on SN instead of Twitter or even Nostr. SN does not have as many stupid people as places like Twitter where most are just repeating slogans with little interest in growth or gaining knowledge.
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I was wondering when I would reach a place where I felt at peace not needing to keep telling people about Bitcoin, and wanting them to find the freedom it brings with it. I think this video is a turning point for me. There are some very important take aways for me:
Arguing about politics or bitcoin is a waste of time, since stupidity is a moral defect, not an intellectual one. Action springs not from thought, but from a readiness for responsibility. The ultimate test of a moral society is the kind of world that it leaves to its children.
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