Quotes about stupidity

Nothing is as dangerous as an ignorant friend; a wise enemy is to be preferred.

The man who, solely from regard to the opinion of others, and without any wish or necessity of his own, toils after gold, honour, or any other phantom, is no better than a fool.

Ignorance produces rashness, reflection timidity

Gluttony is the vice of feeble minds. The gourmand has his brains in his palate, he can do nothing but eat; he is so stupid and incapable that the table is the only place for him, and dishes are the only things he knows anything about. Let us leave him to this business without regret; it is better for him and for us.

Nothing is more frightful than to see ignorance in action.

There is in human nature generally more of the fool than of the wise; and therefore, those faculties by which the foolish part of men's minds is taken are most potent. Wonderful like is the case of boldness in civil business. What first?—Boldness: what second and third?—Boldness. And yet boldness is a child of ignorance and baseness, far inferior to other parts; but, nevertheless, it doth fascinate, and bind hand and foot those that are either shallow in judgment or weak in courage, which are the greatest part, yea, and prevaileth with wise man at weak times.

A fire broke out backstage in a theatre. The clown came out to warn the public; they thought it was a joke and applauded. He repeated it; the acclaim was even greater. I think that's just how the world will come to an end: to the general applause of wits who believe it's a joke.

Fools are the only folk on the earth who can absolutely count on getting what they deserve.

A man may be as much a fool from the want of sensibility as the want of sense.

“Are you trying to be smart, boy?”

“Trying not to be dumb, sir.”

Your father is a fool skin deep; but you are a fool to your very marrow.

People are stupid and use their noses only for blowing, but believe absolutely anything they see with their eyes.