The 7 types of stupidity: the human flaws more important than brainpower

What if the greatest barrier to your success isn't what you don't know, but what you think you know that simply isn't so? This episode explores the subtle architecture of stupidity – not as a personal failing, but as a series of distinct patterns that emerge in all human thinking. We'll journey through seven varieties, from the straightforward lack of cognitive ability to the more insidious systemic stupidity that quietly infects organizations and societies. You'll discover how the most brilliant minds often fall prey to overthinking stupidity, rejecting elegant solutions in favor of complex ones. We'll examine how groups collectively generate stupidity that no individual would create alone, and how our identities and egos become entangled with ideas, making us defend positions that no longer serve us or reflect reality. Learnings: Build decision-making systems that protect against collective cognitive blindspots Identify which stupidity patterns you are prone to. Develop your intellectual honesty muscle using "What would convince me I'm wrong?" Join us in reimagining how we think about thinking – because understanding stupidity might be the most intelligent thing we can do. Upgrade to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content 💬 Community Discord GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Related Episodes 5 Science-backed ways to stop disappointing yourself - Spotify - Apple The Psychology of Mistakes - 7 types of lazy thinking - Spotify - Apple 4 Hidden fears that sabotage your life - and what to do about them - Spotify - Apple Get in Touch 👋 Free Call - Schedule Link - https://cal.com/samwebster/mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail,com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset Show: Growth Mindset, psychology of self-improvement Episode: Can you talk with your subconscious? - w/ Jeff Bauhner Chapters: 00:00 Analyzing different types of stupidity 01:58 #1 - Pure Stupidity 04:45 #2 - Ignorance 08:07 #3 - Overconfident expert stupidity 10:55 #4 - Rule-Based Stupidity 18:30 #5 - Overthinking stupidity 23:37 #6 - Organizational Stupidity 26:55 #7 - Ego Based Stupidity 32:07 Stupidity is often a deliberate choice 35:03 Send Off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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There are a lot of opinions on how to master your mind, but then there’s PSYCHOLOGY. We’re all stuck with the brain we’re born with, but we aren’t stuck with how we use it. Learn science-backed answers to make the most of your mind and your life. CURIOUS? Growth Mindset Psychology is the "self-help sceptic" podcast for the curious. Whether you want to improve performance, navigate setbacks, or know who you are. We find answers to the true science of self-improvement. So put down the astrology chart and start working with your mind, instead of against it. With over 8 million downloads and 60,000 monthly listeners, you’re invited to join. PROCESS Instead of telling you what to think, we discuss how thinking works. Armed with a stack of science journals, textbooks and a boatload of curiosity, we uncover the mechanics of the mind. Why? >>> Success is personal! You might want to make the most of your neurodiverse strengths, start a business, or simply find more reasons to smile. Hone your ability for independent thinking and growth with mental models to pursue your definition of success. HOST I’m Sam Webster Harris, a lifelong learner with ADHD, a raging curiosity, and an obsession with finding answers to hard questions. After launching several businesses, travelling the world and nearly dying a few times I concluded that science and Psychology are where it’s at. What actually makes people happy? What’s the best way to treat a brain? How can I get more done? Studying the answers we find that changing behaviours requires building mindsets, mental models, and a healthy relationship with failure. I run the show to help listeners enjoy nutritious content that feeds their minds (and I needed a legitimate excuse to cover for my reading addiction). PREMIUM Go Ad-Free and listen to exclusive content. Support the show and access the AMA features and community Discord. Growth Mindset Premium ARCHIVE Previous guests include Olympians, Scientists, Billionaires, and Sam's Mum. Past series: — Psychology vs Stoicism — Time Management for busy mortals — Independence and knowing yourself — Cognitive biases and rational thinking — Psychology of connection — Carol Dweck and the Multiverse of Mindsets