The Daily Stoic How Smart People Become Stupid
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Oct 19, 2025 Why do smart people fall for foolish ideas? Ego and overconfidence can cloud judgment, a trap even the brightest minds can fall into. A lack of humility often prevents effective learning, while burnout can lead to poor decisions. Ryan explores the importance of listening to advisors and maintaining a balanced information diet. Historical networks show how accountability can sharpen judgment. Ultimately, empathy and ongoing effort are vital for cultivating wisdom.
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Full Cup Blocks Learning
- Ryan tells the Zen tea story to show a mind full of opinions cannot learn new things.
- He warns you must empty your cup to receive genuine teaching and insight.
Preconceptions Poison Perception
- Stoicism teaches that preconceptions and biases deform what we see and hear.
- We must test impressions instead of trusting instincts or emotions blindly.
Mill's Collapse From Burnout
- Ryan retells John Stuart Mill's childhood brilliance and subsequent breakdown from relentless pressure.
- He uses Mill to illustrate that burnout can destroy intelligence and productivity.
