In this post, I like to discuss one observation (out of the many observations!), I have made in my daily dose of life.
Even Smart People Do Stupid Things Sometimes….
Have you made this observation too?
Each one of us, have to interact with various kinds of people every day. It may be your spouse, parents, friends , relations, colleagues … the list goes on. Among these people, you may have a few who you really admire. In your opinion you might "tag" some of them as smart.
I am aware that the word "smart" is a subjective word. Smart, can be used for someone who has a degree Or someone who has good traits or [Add your list here]. So, I will let you decide the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the word smart!
Generally, when smart people around you do stupid things, it will affect. Worst still, if you have to "clean up the mess". You might get annoyed, frustrated or even loose your temper. Not to mention the mental images of straggling the person!
Can you recall a situation? Did it result in endless questions of "Why Smart People Do Stupid Things?"
I compiled a list of reasons, based on my incidental gleanings. I feel that, if we are aware of the underlying cause(s), we might be better quipped to deal with the situation.
My reasons: why do smart people do stupid things sometimes?
#1 Emotions get in the way of logical thinking
This is the battle between logic and emotion. Where, logic is derived out of smartness and emotions outshine the logic :-)
#2 They react on Impact
For example, immediate reaction to something you just heard. (this is somewhat related to #1)
#3 Ego
Some smart people like to polish their ego. Let me phrase it differently. if they feel their ego is endangered, they might say/do something stupid.
For example, not admitting you are wrong even when you know you are wrong.
#4 Assumptions, Carelessness or Over-Confidence
I find it a bit difficult to differentiate the 3, so I took the lazy way and made it one reason.
"I wish I took a back up, before PC crashed", to what does that belong?
"I know for sure that this software will work, so I didn't test it"
#5 Self centered
What I think, I want, My Needs. Aha, Needs. The root of all heartache! I am sure you can find a few examples that can be listed here.
#6 Fear
Doing something (stupid) out of fear. Again, can be related to #1.
#7 Deafness
Failing to listen falls into this category.
#9 Living in the NOW
Some decisions may be made based only on the present. Where as, it should have been made with the future in mind.
#10 Center stage with stupidity :-)
Even smart people are not perfect. We are all human. Sometimes mistakes do happen. If the person is humble, he/she will accept responsibility and apologize. Then, you really know the person is smart!
If you are someone who associates with me, you might be thinking "Even Shamelle has done stupid things". I admit, I too have done a fair share of stupid things in my life time! I am far from perfect. With these reason's in mind, I will try not to do any stupid things intentionally. Of course If I do, please bare with me :-)
Having said all this, its just my point of view. I would love to hear what you have to say. Why Do you think smart people do stupid things? What are your thoughts?
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