Thank you, NYT. It's about time you came out and said it, plain and simple.
253
I think it is a mistake to make this all about Trump. He won the election because he tapped into a commonly held believe that "elites" were unfairly taking their (pick one or more) freedom to speak, guns, sense of purpose, identity as Americans, role in society. It is easy to convince someone who feels that way that they are a victim of a conspiracy or just a victim of the flow of history (e.g. demographic changes in "their" America). However, to blame them for not taking responsibility for their own victim status is making the same mistake they are making in developing such a pessimistic world view. The secret to understanding their reasons for their "idiocy" is to actually talk to those with opposing world views.
Unfortunately that is happening less and less as the divisions grow.
Unfortunately that is happening less and less as the divisions grow.
84
sadly
many voters aspire to nothing more
than Him
many voters aspire to nothing more
than Him
69
This made me laugh and cry. Imagine the inventors of democracy and republic knew trump was coming.
51
I don't know the source of the analogy, but let's be clear that it's not me (though I wish it were): Donald Trump is a poor person's vision of a what a rich person should be.
138
Most of the readership here revels in calling out Trump's lack of intelligence. It helps with their own superiority complex no doubt, but it's far from the facts.
Trump is very intelligent. For better or worse, he had the foresight to harness the pent up anger of voters and understood demographics better than the career politicians and expert pollsters. That's not the makings of a dumb man.
Furthermore, although he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, he managed to build upon his family's wealth rather than lose it all. Just research how many businesses have been run into the ground by second or third generations, or how many families hit the lottery jackpot and managed to squander hundreds of millions during their lifetimes.
Lastly, he was quick to dispel the disease of PC language and confront real issues (illegal immigration) head on---something our polite and "smart" and "cool" politicians hadn't managed to do in generations.
Laugh and point if you must. But Trump has always had the last laugh and opinion pieces like this aren't going to change that about him, at least not yet.
Trump is very intelligent. For better or worse, he had the foresight to harness the pent up anger of voters and understood demographics better than the career politicians and expert pollsters. That's not the makings of a dumb man.
Furthermore, although he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, he managed to build upon his family's wealth rather than lose it all. Just research how many businesses have been run into the ground by second or third generations, or how many families hit the lottery jackpot and managed to squander hundreds of millions during their lifetimes.
Lastly, he was quick to dispel the disease of PC language and confront real issues (illegal immigration) head on---something our polite and "smart" and "cool" politicians hadn't managed to do in generations.
Laugh and point if you must. But Trump has always had the last laugh and opinion pieces like this aren't going to change that about him, at least not yet.
54
I take it Trump's IQ is therefore below 30?
23
I do not care about Trump's personality. All I care about is his ability to jump start the economy. People need good paying jobs. They need money for rent and groceries. If Trump can do that then everything will be fine.
19
This is everything. Every sad little thing.
25
Ableist history??? Some of us oldsters need a dictionary to interpret progressive jargon.
22
The polls didnt not say Trump the clown creature would lose.
They all said Trump would win.Even a poll that states Trump has got a 10%
Of winning is not saying he will lose the election.
They all said Trump would win.Even a poll that states Trump has got a 10%
Of winning is not saying he will lose the election.
8
Thank you for that....
7
The constant “intelliectual” vilifying, demeaning and dehumanizing of the president in strings of terms as used in this article and generally in the Times is more pernicious and malicious than I could have imagined to have been possible in the US, as tough as our politics can be. Whether or not intended, the Times and others appear to be bent on provoking , or suborning, an alternative to impeachment. Some kook will find there justification for a criminal act, I fear.
In addition, can you imagine the joy which America’s enemies are celebrating as America destroys itself in this fashion? It is not a criticism of ideas or of political philosophy but is the worst of ad hominem.
In addition, can you imagine the joy which America’s enemies are celebrating as America destroys itself in this fashion? It is not a criticism of ideas or of political philosophy but is the worst of ad hominem.
31
I see a Pulitzer in your future.
24
Bravo!
29
Those 50% have the attention span of, guess what, give you a clue, it starts with an i . We don't even have to use words in the dictionary to describe his character , or his lack of it. History will mention his name and it will be taken as synonymous to all words used to describe him and his administration .
2
I love words.
27
"Grifters" is my favorite way to describe the Trump clan.
86
g wrote: "In a few years, Times editors will be forced to acknowledge how disrespectful and uncalled for their actions were during this period."
I assume, g, that you anticipate that in a few years the United States will have become a totalitarian police state in which official thugs will force newspapers to acknowledge taking a brave stand or else. Will you call them truth squads? Gestapo? KGB?
No, g, in the future Americans will take back their democracy and deal with the forcers as they deserve. And the people who will carry that out will be called Patriots.
I assume, g, that you anticipate that in a few years the United States will have become a totalitarian police state in which official thugs will force newspapers to acknowledge taking a brave stand or else. Will you call them truth squads? Gestapo? KGB?
No, g, in the future Americans will take back their democracy and deal with the forcers as they deserve. And the people who will carry that out will be called Patriots.
119
Abridged Version:
"Trump is a dummy."
Thanks New York Times.
"Trump is a dummy."
Thanks New York Times.
31
Donald J. Trump also wears elevator shoes.
Comey must have made DJT feel very tiny and so like a tiny man he punched up as best he could.
Comey must have made DJT feel very tiny and so like a tiny man he punched up as best he could.
2
No puppet, no puppet, you're the puppet - My kingdom to whomever can wake me up from this nightmare.
38
Boy after reading this it's hard not to see how well this shoe fits. Let's take it a step further. If the fits is so obvious on almost every level of the definition through the ages, how can it be justified that he is allowed to remain in office?
Look at this mornings charade of a cabinet meeting where all were required to praise the King in front of an onlooking press. How can those people live with themselves. There is going to be a lot of cracked mirrors in the Capital by tomorrow morning.
Look at this mornings charade of a cabinet meeting where all were required to praise the King in front of an onlooking press. How can those people live with themselves. There is going to be a lot of cracked mirrors in the Capital by tomorrow morning.
74
I'm definitely not a Trump supporter but this article is definitely a trashy opinion piece. This does NOT fall into the category of "all the news that's fit to print."
15
I hate Trump, and still I'm taken aback by this article. Yet I think it's entirely appropriate and worth putting out there.
This is what happens when a President, illegitimate as he may prove to be, tries to delegitimize a free press. I have no mercy for him He deserves to be torn to shreds.
This is what happens when a President, illegitimate as he may prove to be, tries to delegitimize a free press. I have no mercy for him He deserves to be torn to shreds.
80
I note that Kentucky is one of the 3 states with "idiot" on the books. Is not Sen. McConnell from Kentucky? Perhaps they still need it.
79
One has to wonder why all the geniuses commenting on this page are not giants in industry, education, the arts, etc. So quick to assert their superiority over all those that don't think like themselves. May I suggest you read "Thinking Fast, Thinking Slow" by nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman and then reflect on your own idiocy.
BTW, I hope I have at least one type in this message so you can pounce on my stupidity and reaffirm your own greatness. America is going down not because of Trump...he's a reflection of what you have allowed to happen. Christ!
BTW, I hope I have at least one type in this message so you can pounce on my stupidity and reaffirm your own greatness. America is going down not because of Trump...he's a reflection of what you have allowed to happen. Christ!
22
How typical that the dishonest New York Times, the very paper that colluded with the Clinton campaign, allows this garbage in it paper. This is exactly why President Trump prevailed and won. You may not like some of he things he has said, but he accurately and honestly gave voice to the real and serious problems the country now faces. The New York Times, which has proven itself over and over again to be nothing more than a dirty sack of liars, keeps trying to remake President Trump in its own image.
14
This is not news, not even worth Op-Ed column fodder.
But it is representative of what the NYT and what it has become - a partisan rag of little value to the non-partisan reader.
But it is representative of what the NYT and what it has become - a partisan rag of little value to the non-partisan reader.
17
This is a despicable hateful piece written by a bitter angry democrat that does not belong in a so called "paper of record." It adds nothing to the debate. Shame on the NY Times, a paper that long ago lost whatever soul it had, by openly admitting it rooted for the election of Mrs. Clinton.
1
While I get the premise of the article, while I find the article interesting if not amusing, in fact I am compelled to re-direct the criticism back onto the larger, as Whitman might have termed it, the larger body politic. If the author were to separate the name of the president from the article and were to present the stated concern as social criticism, well, far fewer would have read (and reacted) to the piece. (Solipsism in the US, do tell!) In short, in a repugnant and odious manner the president is offering what I will call education by negation. To speak for myself, I have learned more about the workings of government than had somebody else won in November. Not that I like it, but a wake up call, well maybe that that's what we need. Not that I would expect the idiot in the White House to get that.
8
This is no surprise to most of us. What word comes to mind when the people who knew what this man stood for and who he is as a human being still put him in the office - and even now support him whatever he does?
America is the laughing stock of the world because of Trump. Leaders meeting Trump will be cordial to him, as the relationship to them is larger than this man - or village idiot in the opinion of most Americans.
We should also look at this president and the administration as a nonsensical journey in our democracy, we are bigger than any one president - even one as stupid and ignorant as this one.
America is the laughing stock of the world because of Trump. Leaders meeting Trump will be cordial to him, as the relationship to them is larger than this man - or village idiot in the opinion of most Americans.
We should also look at this president and the administration as a nonsensical journey in our democracy, we are bigger than any one president - even one as stupid and ignorant as this one.
27
Let's also recognize that "idiot" is equally applicable to all those progressives so intent on advancing their agenda during the previous eight years that they failed to recognize the frustration and anger of 50% of the electorate. It is these idiots who ensured the election of DJT. So, lots of idiocy to go around.
12
Sorry, Karl Marx, but the individual always comes first. The collapse of the Soviet Union was a loud reminder that people demand a fair return on their labor, and the gov't demanding that they shut up and march in step only leads to disunion and resentment.
Early man gathered into communities so that the worker's family's life would be improved and a bit of safety offered the women and children.
The lark that people gathered into groupings to grow the collective may be our lost solid definition of ''idiot'' yet.
We are faced with the most unique individual in Presidential history in Donald Trump. At the same time we are seeing the resources of the entire Democratic Party being invested in the maintenance of an ocean of wretched emotional robots told to erupt into anger and fear whenever the President does anything.
The fact that the leftist media has spent the last year training people to hate this one man - to the abandonment of what we used to call journalism - calls us to decide which is worse, the man at the center of all this or the warped enforcers ready to riot when their call comes down from the press lords.
It is like the oligarchs directing the press is determined to see blood in the streets, beginning with fascist denial of free speech and progressing to - what?
Early man gathered into communities so that the worker's family's life would be improved and a bit of safety offered the women and children.
The lark that people gathered into groupings to grow the collective may be our lost solid definition of ''idiot'' yet.
We are faced with the most unique individual in Presidential history in Donald Trump. At the same time we are seeing the resources of the entire Democratic Party being invested in the maintenance of an ocean of wretched emotional robots told to erupt into anger and fear whenever the President does anything.
The fact that the leftist media has spent the last year training people to hate this one man - to the abandonment of what we used to call journalism - calls us to decide which is worse, the man at the center of all this or the warped enforcers ready to riot when their call comes down from the press lords.
It is like the oligarchs directing the press is determined to see blood in the streets, beginning with fascist denial of free speech and progressing to - what?
10
Even an idiot could see that with the last sentence in this Op-Ed ("He is a ticking time bomb in the middle of the public square."), Eric Anthamatten asks us to take note of common ground shared by POTUS and your garden-variety Terrorist. Although Trump would beg to differ, he does have a very public history of acting with malicious intent (and 'truthful hyperbole') to destroy the lives and reputations of his detractors.
15
Graydon Carter, the editor of Vanity Fair, said it best: "Before he became president, you could basically ignore him-he was a local joke, after all. As anyone who has followed his jerry-rigged career from the 1980's will tell you."
53
Anti-intellectualism, spurred on by science-deniers and truth-deniers, brought us Trump. His supporters do not or cannot think in rational, logic ways. They have allowed emotions to motivate their choices in life. Trumpism is at its core, anti-intellectualism. Trump is the 'idiot' is its leader. The modern Republican Party is its apologist and enabler. Our system was build to survive the occasional idiot. Everyday, we are reminded of the sense of urgency we must all have, to support the system, in its efforts to survive the idiot.
39
So basically the NYT has lost all arguments and has now resorted to school yard insults. This may be a new all time low in 'journalism'. Worst paper in the US, bar none.
Brilliant essay!
Would not the Libertarian,then, be considered an "idiot"in the true sense of the word ,since "Humans evolved for the most part by putting community first and the individual second ." ?
How can Libertarianism,in the end, not destroy society?
Would not the Libertarian,then, be considered an "idiot"in the true sense of the word ,since "Humans evolved for the most part by putting community first and the individual second ." ?
How can Libertarianism,in the end, not destroy society?
16
While we're at it, Down Syndrome used to be referred to as imbicilism. Let's really get back to basics everywhere and see how their parents feel.
7
For all the naysayers about this article, you miss the point. An idiot in ancient Greek society contributed nothing to public life or the common good: one's own from the root, to be contrasted to the public citizen, or polites, or one who did not participate in the public and political life of the city-state. I thought this article brilliant and can applied to all who disdain the common good, from governors of states such as Texas, or the person occupying the highest political office in the country. The common good has been degraded by those who believe government should be drowned in a bathtub (Grover Norquist/a quisling), Steven Bannon (who is an elitist), and the many in the GOP who believe the common good equates to their bottom line and should be enriched at the expense of the 90-95% in terms of rates of taxation. Thank you for this illuminating article!
42
"Contemporary uses of the word “idiot” usually highlight a subject’s lack of intelligence, ignorance, foolishness or buffoonery. "
Anyone editing? Structurally, this sentence means "lack of intelligence, lack of ignorance, lack of foolishness, lack of buffoonery." I know that's not what the writer means, but really this is a sophomoric structure. Better to place "lack of intelligence" at the end of the list.
I expect higher standards of style and grammar in these pages.
Anyone editing? Structurally, this sentence means "lack of intelligence, lack of ignorance, lack of foolishness, lack of buffoonery." I know that's not what the writer means, but really this is a sophomoric structure. Better to place "lack of intelligence" at the end of the list.
I expect higher standards of style and grammar in these pages.
18
Idiocy, sadly for us, is wildly contagious and we're only now seeing the extent of this contagion's potent global damage. Spread orally, and consumed electronically, Trump is patient zero. Inoculation in '18 might be effective, but only if the voting public willingly accepts a vaccine. Otherwise, idiocy will become a chronic condition that may us years from which to recover.
13
I've loved philosophy since my first introduction in college.
Thank you for another lesson in how the Ancient Greeks defined and saw people clearly and without doubt unqualified to lead in anything.
Actually they seem to have had a model just like Trump.It is with great hope
that I wish his presence with us is extremely brief,as well as that of the republicans who so idiotically support him.
Thank you for another lesson in how the Ancient Greeks defined and saw people clearly and without doubt unqualified to lead in anything.
Actually they seem to have had a model just like Trump.It is with great hope
that I wish his presence with us is extremely brief,as well as that of the republicans who so idiotically support him.
19
This is a man who today had the gall to compare himself with Franklin Delano Roosevelt, lied (what else is new?) and said he had passed almost as much legislation as FDR. Then he had his miserable cabinet members hold a little mini-rally to sing his praises. This is pathetic. I feel like I'm living in the twilight zone.
47
A walk through the etymological garden of idiocy. Thank you NYT's
10
"in Kentucky, Mississippi, New Mexico and Ohio, which officially do not allow “idiots” to vote."
Ahhh.... if only!
Ahhh.... if only!
20
Rush Limbaugh is right: the Left has lost its mind. Trump Derangement Syndrome has reduced the Times to playground insults.
I'd recommend a little medical marijuana, or even horse tranquilizer, but I'm not sure they're covered by Obamacare.
Get well soon!
I'd recommend a little medical marijuana, or even horse tranquilizer, but I'm not sure they're covered by Obamacare.
Get well soon!
10
Barack Obama truly was village idiot, mocked by the rest of the world. I think we took criticism of Obama too far, as it only opened the door for delusional anti-Trump zealotry and hate.
8
" Yet, the term is still on the books in Kentucky, Mississippi, New Mexico and Ohio, which officially do not allow “idiots” to vote."
Now that's one law that should actually be followed. Keep those entire states from voting
Now that's one law that should actually be followed. Keep those entire states from voting
7
Trump always playing to his base 30% of the population of USA .
That is nuts , can't anybody else in government realize this . Public does!
Glad I'm 65 and won't be around when Baron gets elected .
That is nuts , can't anybody else in government realize this . Public does!
Glad I'm 65 and won't be around when Baron gets elected .
8
The editors of the Times should be embarrassed. You forget that Trump won an election, something we hold dear in a democracy. To suggest that he's an idiot is an affront to the millions of people who voted for him (none of whom likely read the Times). The real idiots are the Democrats who put Sanders on the sideline so they could run another Clinton. You got the result you deserved. Now go get your own heads examined.
13
Interesting, a philosopher at Fordham who, I suspect, in his wildest dreams couldn't create a 4 billion dollar company or win a presidential election as a severe underdog, decided to tell us all that President Trump is an idiot and the NYT actually published his rant. I wonder if they'll publish this.
9
So now we get an attempt to legitimize calling Trump an "idiot".
How NY Times can you get?
How NY Times can you get?
8
""The Stone" is a philosophy column. Here it provides an interesting discussion of idiocy, its origins and history. That "idiot" tuned out to be the word most frequently associated with our current president cannot be attributed to "The Stone" or to the Quinnipiac poll. It can only be attributed to the man himself. The detail provided suggests that the word bears richer and more telling denotations than many of those who chose it may have fully realized.
19
Oh, another article making fun of the President, dividing the country and demeaning. I'm sure it is full of fabulous insight and interstitial self-righteousness. Yippee.
10
This is beneath the New York Times, what a juvenile opinion piece. Offensive to many and once again the NYT proves it is not learning from its poor coverage of the election. Shameful.
10
I loved this! It makes me more likely to use the word idiot more carefully in the future, knowing precisely what it meant back when the roots of our language were forming. Truthfully, the students of history, language and literature may be better prepared to process the intellectual and emotional rip tides of this moment. We need our esteemed STEMs to get the math and science right, but the preparations for citizenship in a democracy cannot be won in a laboratory, only in the mind and the heart. Thank you for this.
9
So HC lost to an idiot? What does that say about her and her party?
This type of article is not helpful to the readers here...
This type of article is not helpful to the readers here...
4
Curious that the words "puppet" and "traitor" didn't show up in the Quinnipiac poll. In light of history, Trump's Russian appeasement and anti-NATO policy could be described as 'idiotic' in the layman's sense -- but only if you believe an idiot can be a qasi-billionaire. While Trump's appeasement of Putin is idiotic on its face, Trump can't possibly be that intellectually disabled. So the only other explanations for Trump's Russia policy are outright treason, blackmail, or an overpowering late-life bisexual awakening that has left Trump hopelessly, submissively devoted to Vladimir Putin. The first descriptor that pops in my mind about Trump is "Putin's Love Slave."
On a different note, is it uniquely American that so many Americans think they are at least three times smarter than the quasi-billionaire and unfortunately successful Trump?
On a different note, is it uniquely American that so many Americans think they are at least three times smarter than the quasi-billionaire and unfortunately successful Trump?
2
I've never thought of libertarians as idiots, necessarily; but it does seem that you've painted them that way, here.
3
"Thankfully, such medical nomenclature has fallen out of favor. Yet, the term is still on the books in Kentucky, Mississippi, New Mexico and Ohio, which officially do not allow 'idiots' to vote."
Add this to the already enormous list of outdated laws that need to be rectified. While we're at it, perhaps we can prevent "marriages" between adults over the age of 18 and children as young as 11 and 12 from being legal anywhere in this country? Our laws need to keep up with our values.
Add this to the already enormous list of outdated laws that need to be rectified. While we're at it, perhaps we can prevent "marriages" between adults over the age of 18 and children as young as 11 and 12 from being legal anywhere in this country? Our laws need to keep up with our values.
1
The idiocy of our current culture is spread wide. A continual virus of idiots pervade the comment universe of the Internet. I call them the “what about me(s)?” If it’s an article about equality for women, there are a horde of men saying “Hey, men have it rough too!” If it’s a Black Lives Matter article, there are the “Hey, white lives matter too!” comments, etc.
What type of person needs to see themselves represented in absolutely everything ALL THE TIME? An idiot.
What type of person needs to see themselves represented in absolutely everything ALL THE TIME? An idiot.
10
Ahh... but who puts the 'ID' into 'Idiot'?
2
I think Kentucky, Mississippi etc. are right - idiots should not vote - and we know a lot of them did in the last election. (Red states = idiot states?) I also realize now that I have been using "moron" to refer to the Trump family and their familiars when I should have been using "idiot". This article was most helpful. I feel I can go forward from here.
9
Idiot would seem to fit Mr. Trump, but for his successful election to President. His election did require campaigning and gaining the confidence of 47% of those who voted in the November election. That required some social skills and the ability to read his audiences accurately. Other than the obvious social skills which that required his behavior otherwise seems to fit the ancient Greek meaning for idiot.
This commentary explains why all the great reporting unveiling Donald Trump's ignorance, vulgarity and venality haven't affected him or his sycophant appointees and followers. You can speak truth to power, but not to idiots.
13
When I refer to Trump as an ‘idiot’, which I often do, the word rolls off my tongue with a luscious taste of vengeance. Unfortunately, the pleasure is fleeting, as I remember that he and his supporters would never grasp the old, multi-attributed adage that: “the first step towards knowledge is to know that we are ignorant”!
8
If only he could be an "idiot savant"!
1
The description the author gives as a leech on society is exactly how the Nazi's looked as people. Asset or liability. A scary slope to start down
1
Very astute. The bizarre, "too-too-sick-making" performance by Trump himself and the members of the Trump Cabinet at their meeting today provides strong evidence that Trump is indeed an "idiotes" in the sense explicated by Anthamatten.
11
According to your definition, he may be an 'idiot'. But he's certainly not stupid. Not only did he keep getting loans to build and investors to buy into hotels and golf courses despite multiple bankruptcies, defaults, etc., but he also got enough idiots to vote for him to win the presidency which he can capitalize on for himself, his family and friends. It's business -- just watch retail TV commercials. The whole purpose is profit. What's stupid is that so many people didn't, and still don't, see it.
12
"Yet, the term is still on the books in Kentucky, Mississippi, New Mexico and Ohio, which officially do not allow “idiots” to vote. "
Someone should call the Republicans in Congress about this one. Verified voter fraud out the wazoo: there were probably *millions* of idiots who cast votes in those states.
Someone should call the Republicans in Congress about this one. Verified voter fraud out the wazoo: there were probably *millions* of idiots who cast votes in those states.
3
Contrary to laws of some states that deny the vote to "idiots", we find DJT in the White House. Enough of them must have voted anyhow.
4
Therefore, ISIS is loaded with idiots. And Trump should understand them better than "it takes a village" Hillary. Trump does fit the classic mold of a true idiot. The larger question here is: what does that tell you about our society when such an idiot can be a semi-successful businessman, and then worse, get elected President? What does it tell you about the people who voted for Trump? They were not fooled. They knew exactly what kind of idiot they were electing. They did so because they are anti-social. So, the question is: how long can a society survive when so many of its members are anti-social...idiots.
9
This reminds me of Dostoevsky's "The Idiot." For Dostoevsky, and in Russian culture more generally, the concept is more complex than what is described in this article. An "idiot" in Russian culture often has a more piercing perception of reality, a lesser degree of self-interest, and a more direct connection with the spiritual realm. Where would that fit in here, I wonder? If at all.
2
Trump can't be an idiot because by definition whatever he does is Presidential.
And yet Donald J. Trump was lawfully and duly elected to the Presidency of the United States of America... Who are the idiots in this tale of woe?
17
Why not try to help and influence the elected President of our country instead of insulting and mocking him - which I agree is easy enough - but will never yield any positive results for our country.
Idiot could be used for Bill Clinton who thought having sex with an intern and a cigar was a good idea, or for his wife, whose entitlement has given us Trump. Why not call the Democrats idiots for not being able to defeat Trump? It can be endless and a complete waste of time. Move on.
Idiot could be used for Bill Clinton who thought having sex with an intern and a cigar was a good idea, or for his wife, whose entitlement has given us Trump. Why not call the Democrats idiots for not being able to defeat Trump? It can be endless and a complete waste of time. Move on.
7
Judging by the large numbers of people who have no idea what is going on in the country, let alone the world, we seem to be surrounded by idiots.
11
The classic definition of idiot sounds like the governing philosophy of today's GOP, which doesn't believe in the concept of community as something you should care about.
16
One is put in mind of H.L. Mencken: “As democracy is perfected, the office represents, more and more closely, the inner soul of the people. We move toward a lofty ideal. On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart’s desire at last and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron.”
Take your pick -moron -idiot FACT is he has legions of fellow travelers!
Take your pick -moron -idiot FACT is he has legions of fellow travelers!
9
"Thankfully, such medical nomenclature has fallen out of favor. Yet, the term is still on the books in Kentucky, Mississippi, New Mexico and Ohio, which officially do not allow “idiots” to vote.'" How does that explain Mitch McConnell?
9
In Greece the Idiots did not have the right to vote. It seems that modern democracy has degenerated as the Idiots not only have the right to vote but also to elect one of them to the highest position to rule society. Or, is it that in contemporary society, the Idiots are those among us who think that the well-being of all other fellow human beings is also important?
4
"idiocy" is also his followers and Republican elected officials. In the Hudson Valley in the 40th SD we have our own homegrown local idiot who calls himself the "silent majority". This elected official refuses to host healthcare forums, and is hiding from his Democratic constituents who disagree with his "idiocy" of continuing to be a Trumpster.
9
Ooh, watch out for this guy, he's got some edge.
He won't just call you an idiot; he'll call you one and then spend 900 words passive-aggressively defining what he meant.
He won't just call you an idiot; he'll call you one and then spend 900 words passive-aggressively defining what he meant.
1
"he was a leech sucking the lifeblood from the social body. "
I thought you were referring to our professional politician class, like a Pelosi or a Liz Warren.
Then I realized is was another pseudo-intellectual anti-Trump tirade.
A column written by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.
I thought you were referring to our professional politician class, like a Pelosi or a Liz Warren.
Then I realized is was another pseudo-intellectual anti-Trump tirade.
A column written by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.
3
I have known some idiots: some were harmless and some were not. What gives me great concern these days is not the fact that "we" all of us are constantly sharing the planet with both famous, and not so famous, idiots according to many current, and apparently ancient, definitions. Rather, it is when an idiot has continued to devolve and is also mean-spirited, uncaring, vengeful and even a bit sadistic. Watch out, humanity.
5
Surely Trump is an idiot on the surface. But beneath all the stupidity, is this a man who knew he could secure power being BEING stupid, by appealing to that simple, stupid nature in many people that made them say "He is like me. He speaks simply. He speaks directly. He speaks his feelings. He is also worth over a billion dollars, so this has worked for him. I will pull the lever for Trump." ??
3
Let's assume the President is an idiot. How would you describe the Vice-President? Given that a Vice-President succeeds the President in certain circustances - i.e.) impeachment, etc., I think the Russian expression to describe V.P. Pence may be appropriate: "Useful Idiot".
9
"The idiot contributed nothing to public life or the common good. His existence depended on the skill and labor of others"
Sounds a whole lot like folk who expect others to pay taxes.
Sounds a whole lot like folk who expect others to pay taxes.
1
Enjoyed your Times op-ed. You might have included a few words on "useful idiot" -- a term attributed to Lenin but particularly apropos in the age of Trump.
4
By any other name . . .
Thank you for substantiating that Trump is indeed an idiot, however we were pretty comfortable with our assessment early on, well before he had the idiotic notion of running for president.
What is the term for those elect an idiot?
Thank you for substantiating that Trump is indeed an idiot, however we were pretty comfortable with our assessment early on, well before he had the idiotic notion of running for president.
What is the term for those elect an idiot?
7
For Donald Trump being called an idiot is a compliment. But idiot is really too good, and nice a description for Trump. Idiot implies a benevolent dolt, and that is not Trump. Donald Trump is a malicious, malevolent moron. Trump does not ever do anything out of benevolence, kindness, empathy, or anything resembling an altruistic bent. Trump is petty, vindictive, malicious, and does anything solely for his gratification and benefit, even constantly, and recklessly lie. This is where the Trump voters and supporters fall into the deep well of willful ignorance, and stupidity. They foolishly bought Trump's con, and they refuse to see, and admit they were conned, or worse, they don't care. For most Trump supporters, the moron, pathological liar, Trump, fulfills they're dream of having a blatant racist, white supremacist as president, and they're perfectly fine with him being immoral, a thief, a liar and a traitor. This is a sad truth, but 63% of white men and 53% of white women happily voted for Donald Trump, and most still support him. And this is not a lie.
9
So it would appear that the vast majority of politicians (if you want to include Trump, go ahead) are truly "idiots" in the classical sense.
2
"In ancient Greek society, an idiotes was a layperson who lacked professional skills. The idiot contributed nothing to public life or the common good."
I believe this description covers the scope and effect of Mr. Trump's ascension to the Presidency precisely.
The voters who elected Trump had viewpoints that disregarded the obvious to many people. The obvious represents his personality dysfunctions, and his complete lack of depth for the job.
I believe this description covers the scope and effect of Mr. Trump's ascension to the Presidency precisely.
The voters who elected Trump had viewpoints that disregarded the obvious to many people. The obvious represents his personality dysfunctions, and his complete lack of depth for the job.
2
Ultimately I think Trumps presidency will not last a full term for the following reason. Think about how not a single major newspaper endorsed Trump. I believe this was largely because the people who made these decisions were worried that they would "lose face" at home by endorsing him, specifically to lose stature in the eyes of their spouses and children, plus friends. It is common knowledge that bills often live or die based on breakaway groups or representatives or senators. I believe there will be breakaway groups of Republicans who, tired of losing stature at home, will coax Democrats to start the impeachment process, and then finish the process on the floor. Of course they will need to find "impeachable offenses" and other work through other procedural steps. This article made me think about this because of the disgust people obviously felt with the leaches behind the meaning of idiot. Trump will die in a wave of disgust.
1
@ scientist they are the problem, not the idiot,
I can't help but think of Dostoevsky's 'Idiot" (Russian idiot..). The protagonist is called 'an idiot' because he is all good, sacrificing himself for the sake of others.
But this is Dostoevsky speaking in a sarcastic tone, ridiculing people who perceive anything that isn't motivated by self-interest as stupid. Apparently appreciation for acting for the sake of others isn't intuitive. People in different places and times seem to think working for the good of others is somehow unnatural, hypocritical, dumb.
onourselvesandothers.com
But this is Dostoevsky speaking in a sarcastic tone, ridiculing people who perceive anything that isn't motivated by self-interest as stupid. Apparently appreciation for acting for the sake of others isn't intuitive. People in different places and times seem to think working for the good of others is somehow unnatural, hypocritical, dumb.
onourselvesandothers.com
After reading this article, especially, the last paragraph, I pray God that Trump is not an idiot.
Now we have been given the true definition of 'idiot'. Now we know exactly who Trump is, we know exactly the damage to the nation (people) that can be expected from him, now we know exactly what must be done. Need I continuously repeat myself?....GET RID OF HIM...GET RID OF HIM...GET RID OF HIM. So there I said it again.
5
Go read about the cabinet meeting another notch in the idiot belt today
Expecting his cabinet to fawn over him shower him with compliments.
This is the worst only an idiot with no self respect.
Expecting his cabinet to fawn over him shower him with compliments.
This is the worst only an idiot with no self respect.
2
Thank you, Professor!
I too call him, privately, and idiot.
And now I can call him an idiot with pride, referring to "idiot in the Ancient Greek sense." Or, as in his case in the "senseless" sense.
Bravo! We're all learning as we go. All except for the idiot!
I too call him, privately, and idiot.
And now I can call him an idiot with pride, referring to "idiot in the Ancient Greek sense." Or, as in his case in the "senseless" sense.
Bravo! We're all learning as we go. All except for the idiot!
2
OMG, Trump is an idiot on so many levels, he is an idiot who refuses to learn because he is a solipsist who in his own self-created world of self he knows it all, and is always talking to the smartest person in the room, himself. This leads to the Dunning-Kruger effect wherein someone is too stupid to know he is stupid. This is like Trump 101.
As far as the Binet-Simon intelligence test some days he communicates with the rest of the world as an idiot (mental age 3-7), other days he is an imbecile (mental age 7-10), and on a good day he is a moron (mental age 7-10). But on no days is he communicating anything but self-promotion.
I think America should just dumb down so that we can communicate better with our president. The anti-intellectualism trend that the author of the Dumbing Down of America book feared has come to fruition.
On his best days Trump may be just a moron, but a moron who clings to spreading fake news like barnacles cling to piers.
As far as the Binet-Simon intelligence test some days he communicates with the rest of the world as an idiot (mental age 3-7), other days he is an imbecile (mental age 7-10), and on a good day he is a moron (mental age 7-10). But on no days is he communicating anything but self-promotion.
I think America should just dumb down so that we can communicate better with our president. The anti-intellectualism trend that the author of the Dumbing Down of America book feared has come to fruition.
On his best days Trump may be just a moron, but a moron who clings to spreading fake news like barnacles cling to piers.
IDIOT = Ticking Time Bomb in the Public Square? What about an idiot with a ticking time bomb within his cranium? Like the idiot who experienced three episodes during the first presidential trip overseas that seemed to be like symptoms of mini-strokes. If that's the case, then that idiot is just waiting for the big one that will cause major destruction and incapacitation. Hence, removal from office for medical reasons. Couldn't happen fast enough for me!
3
Okay, great. Now I am reminded of just how much trouble we are all in. We know that there is a madmanboy at the helm....and now we know his personality distilled down to one word.
Plus, the video going around of his first cabinet meeting dovetails nicely with this article.
Up is down. Left is right. It's all just to much.
Plus, the video going around of his first cabinet meeting dovetails nicely with this article.
Up is down. Left is right. It's all just to much.
1
Imagine that you are on vast waters stretching the horizons in a boat with innumerable people, what is important to you?
To me, the interesting words of the poll to describe Trump are "leader" and "president". The former are seeking a leader that they didn't see in Obama and I give the credit to donors/owners of hate media.
The latter are seeking to instruct the popular majority (who are revolted at the crassness and the trickery of Trump first, and the "take it all" agenda of GOP in a close second) TO STAY QUIET about the duelly elected president.
I give those Obama haters the credit for Trump because they shove their loyalty to Trump into everybody else's face DESPITE (1) ignoring their hypocracy for smearing Obama with ridiculous crap LIKE birtherism, killing coal, etc. and (2) ESCALATING CHAOTIC INTERACTIONS with our allies, our neighbors, our citizens, our elected leaders, including his own party.
Now onto the poll takers whose one-word descriptors were "idiot", "incompetent", "liar", and "unqualified", they are assigning DESCRIPTIVE QUALITIES. They are not just saying a position title.
That tells me, the Trump supporters ARE NOT projecting a positive descriptor.
Honestly, I think the lack of positive desciptors is due to excessive tweets (number and nature) and to overuse of "believe me" and calling others liars/fake. In other words, the removal of positive descriptors IS ALL TRUMP'S DOING. "What an idiot."
To me, the interesting words of the poll to describe Trump are "leader" and "president". The former are seeking a leader that they didn't see in Obama and I give the credit to donors/owners of hate media.
The latter are seeking to instruct the popular majority (who are revolted at the crassness and the trickery of Trump first, and the "take it all" agenda of GOP in a close second) TO STAY QUIET about the duelly elected president.
I give those Obama haters the credit for Trump because they shove their loyalty to Trump into everybody else's face DESPITE (1) ignoring their hypocracy for smearing Obama with ridiculous crap LIKE birtherism, killing coal, etc. and (2) ESCALATING CHAOTIC INTERACTIONS with our allies, our neighbors, our citizens, our elected leaders, including his own party.
Now onto the poll takers whose one-word descriptors were "idiot", "incompetent", "liar", and "unqualified", they are assigning DESCRIPTIVE QUALITIES. They are not just saying a position title.
That tells me, the Trump supporters ARE NOT projecting a positive descriptor.
Honestly, I think the lack of positive desciptors is due to excessive tweets (number and nature) and to overuse of "believe me" and calling others liars/fake. In other words, the removal of positive descriptors IS ALL TRUMP'S DOING. "What an idiot."
Public square? Polites? Common good? These ideas went out of fashion in the United States long ago. We're ALL idiotes now. (Pogo, where art thou?)
2
Trump is inwardly focused or at least by all appearances is: I have no argument with that. Call him an idiot, too. Fine with me. But as the erudite build up their refined arsenals of pejorative bombs to throw at Trump I have to wonder: what is the endgame? The idiot Trump acting on the analogy of a self-aggrandizing heat-seeking bug, ever on the lookout for new marketing opportunities, found a big one not in developing another tasteless mega-hotel in Ahu Dhabi but in selling himself to a share of the electorate that he discovered was in play. If the non-idiots can't watch and learn from that, what pejorative should be hung on them?
I guess childish name calling is not idiotic?
14
Clearly, they apparently don't enforce that law in three of those States- KY, Mississippi, and even Ohio. Explains a lot about the last election.
12
The Greeks also invented the Btrazen Bull to deal with those who were an affront to life of the city-state. This fate was reserved to not only the inventor, to see if it worked, but to anyone who tried to undermine the city-state. Also the way, some "idiots", did get roasted alive.
As fro Mr. Trump, he will not get roasted, as per the Greeks, but get roasted just the same by special prosecutors and Congress.
And yes, "idiot", the Greek term, is perfectly befitting Trump.
As fro Mr. Trump, he will not get roasted, as per the Greeks, but get roasted just the same by special prosecutors and Congress.
And yes, "idiot", the Greek term, is perfectly befitting Trump.
6
"The insults are the last reserve of those who lost an argument." - Socrates
14
Well, Trump and his supporters made insults the first option before any argument starts. Trump actually won the Presidency by insulting his opponents and totally avoiding the argument. Socrates assumed some intelligence from arguing parties, which does not apply to idiots, imbeciles and morons.
3
In Trump's case, "idiot" is not an insult; it's a diagnosis. But nice try.
8
Funny — that's exactly what Little Marco, Lying Ted and Crooked Hillary said.
5
After reading this I find it unsurprising that Trump's biggest concern was his own skin rather than the security of the United States when it concerned Russian meddling.
18
The meddling that did not change a single vote? Sorry, Hillary lost.
Even with 6 times as much cash - the Democrats' strong area - Hillary couldn't run a good campaign. Campaigning was about all Obama has ever done well but she couldn't exactly hire him to run the operation.
Even with 6 times as much cash - the Democrats' strong area - Hillary couldn't run a good campaign. Campaigning was about all Obama has ever done well but she couldn't exactly hire him to run the operation.
3
This has to be the greatest headline in the history of the New York Times.
Thank you, oh thank you!
Thank you, oh thank you!
28
Not only a name for him, but a diagnosis.
15
A question to all of you who blindly support trump; what would he have to do for you to say that the majority of voters were right about how wrong this man is? Since trump likes to reference the Last American President, President Obama; if President Obama had done or said half of the idiocies uttered by trump, how loud and long would be the howls from the republicans? As trump's good friend Flynn said on the campaign trail, "Lock him up."
17
Oh Dear!
As a teacher of philosophy at a Jesuit university, Mr Anthamatten should know that there is no such thing as the "true meaning" of a word - a word acquires meaning by the way a community of people use it.
Words are slippery things, and may simultaneously mean different things to different people - as Humpty Dumpty reminded us in "Through the Looking Glass". Think of "decimate" or "cool" or "bad" or "cannot underestimate", which can have opposite meanings to different people.
When consensus breaks down, words can completely lose their meaning, with disastrous consequences.
For a current example, think only of the word "lie". What does that word now mean? A previous President even had trouble with the word "is".
As a teacher of philosophy at a Jesuit university, Mr Anthamatten should know that there is no such thing as the "true meaning" of a word - a word acquires meaning by the way a community of people use it.
Words are slippery things, and may simultaneously mean different things to different people - as Humpty Dumpty reminded us in "Through the Looking Glass". Think of "decimate" or "cool" or "bad" or "cannot underestimate", which can have opposite meanings to different people.
When consensus breaks down, words can completely lose their meaning, with disastrous consequences.
For a current example, think only of the word "lie". What does that word now mean? A previous President even had trouble with the word "is".
5
Alternative word meaning. Interesting. I believe that our president may have a staff position for you.
3
In a few years, Times editors will be forced to acknowledge how disrespectful and uncalled for their actions were during this period.
Yes, I agree Mr Trump is not presidential; he is all of the things his detractors believe him to be.
Nevertheless, the dignity of the Office of the President requires that we use intelligent arguments to rally against what we dislike about Mr Trump.
The childish rants represented by articles like this seem to be an attempt by Liberals to burnish their credentials as leaders of the "resistance" but stoop even lower than Mr Trump himself.
Its time for the Editors to behave like adults and not like children themselves.
This article should never have been allowed on the Times.
Yes, I agree Mr Trump is not presidential; he is all of the things his detractors believe him to be.
Nevertheless, the dignity of the Office of the President requires that we use intelligent arguments to rally against what we dislike about Mr Trump.
The childish rants represented by articles like this seem to be an attempt by Liberals to burnish their credentials as leaders of the "resistance" but stoop even lower than Mr Trump himself.
Its time for the Editors to behave like adults and not like children themselves.
This article should never have been allowed on the Times.
11
Disrespectful? Trump needs to let know in the mirror!
The Grey Lady has been, if anything, too respectful. (And many have called them on it.)
Me? I go with the Grey Lady. Who invites many to her Salon. She too deserves respect. And long may she reign!
The Grey Lady has been, if anything, too respectful. (And many have called them on it.)
Me? I go with the Grey Lady. Who invites many to her Salon. She too deserves respect. And long may she reign!
3
Oh please. Spare me. There is no other way to cope with the situation. What should we do, be snowflakes? The truth hurts doesn't it.
9
g, you are wrong. This is about Trump's--and Republicans' generally--failure to understand that we are a society, and not a collection of randomly scattered individuals with no ability to cooperate, pool resources, act for the common good. It's all about the anti-government sentiments repeatedly expressed by the right: heaven forbid anyone ever have to cough up any money that might ever benefit anyone else (e.g. taxes for government programs). The right's position on the role of government in society (or lack thereof) is, well, you guessed it, pure idiocy. And Trump exemplifies these sentiments worse than anyone. That's why this article is not disrespectful to the office of the presidency.
89
Sigh. If only Kentucky, Mississippi, New Mexico and Ohio would enforce the laws on their books.
6
Check out the film "Idiocracy" made in 2005. Prescient, to say the least.
9
We must do more than merely hope that our democracy, its Achilles Heel having been exposed, doesn't eventually become a failed experiment.
3
How on earth did we get here?
Great column, but my god, what does it say about us? This must be the end of the line for our civilization. I can imagine history students in 500 years taking seminars about it.
Great column, but my god, what does it say about us? This must be the end of the line for our civilization. I can imagine history students in 500 years taking seminars about it.
21
You mean on some other planet? may not be any students of anything in 500 years on this one.
10
We got where we are now by using an 1787 invention, devised when only men who owned property could vote. It's our own fault by aping the British who have similar
old and strange rules that seem to work right for them.
When somebody who gets 2.8 million votes less than his opponent, wins, it's time to modernize.
old and strange rules that seem to work right for them.
When somebody who gets 2.8 million votes less than his opponent, wins, it's time to modernize.
19
The 2015 presidential party primaries and general election in 2016 will hopefully be identified as political turning points in American history. The decades-long coarsening and cooption of populist democracy culminated in the American electorate being offered choices for President of The United States who were opposite sides of the same counterfeit coin.
4
Let's talk about cause and effect. The larger question is how the most prosperous nation in the world chose this path. How did political party leadership fall to such depths , presenting the citizens , candidates of the caliber we have to choose from? What is a citizen's responsibility in our own governance? And then there is our beloved media... whose sole purpose is ... to sell advertising. Otherwise.. excellent history article. Always Optimism , balanced by Reality.
24
And so, what does that say about the people who voted for the idiot?
76
It is the triumph of hope over experience.
3
They are the "deplorables" - a nice word for idiot.
2
"what does that say about the people who voted for the idiot?"
Nothing good.
Nothing good.
1
Idiot might be too kind, even in the context of the word's etymology. I prefer blowhard, a dangerous one at that.
25
This is gratuitous and pretentious. His idiocy is obvious.
19
Not to all. Unfortunately for all.
7
Somebody should let the arrogant Son Of Idiot (S.O.I), Donald Jr. know,nobody cares what he thinks about Mr. Comey. S.O.I. just doesn't count. At least Eric is more sensible! S.O.I. is so awkward in his high heeled shoes, I wonder if he has any friends at all!
13
Eric more sensible? Eric's ladder does not reach all the way to the roof. He is well qualified as an idiot or moron.
As for Trump Jr - he is smart, but he does fit his daddy's description of a wack-job and is, as you have said, is arrogant even on a par with his old man. No one should give any press coverage to the offspring. Just as no one should have given press coverage to the idiot-in-chief. That coverage dragged out all the other white male idiots in the USA and got Trump elected.
I'll save commentary on Ivanka and Jarod for another day. One ulcer attack for today is sufficient.
As for Trump Jr - he is smart, but he does fit his daddy's description of a wack-job and is, as you have said, is arrogant even on a par with his old man. No one should give any press coverage to the offspring. Just as no one should have given press coverage to the idiot-in-chief. That coverage dragged out all the other white male idiots in the USA and got Trump elected.
I'll save commentary on Ivanka and Jarod for another day. One ulcer attack for today is sufficient.
2
Unwarranted in the extremis. The man's a TRUMP there is nothing more to say!
Idiot, as explained here, describes Trump to a T. Only cares about himself, and seems to have a low intelligence (didn't think we would be upset about the Comey firing!) I believe he only wanted to become President to Win, and enrich himself and pretend he is above the law (king), not to serve us, the lowly regular people who are not rich. The people are right. He is an idiot.
58
Quoting a polling agency used by the NY Times which gave Trump a 9% chance to win the election? Only an idiot would do that.
12
A poll doesn't need to tell us that Trump is an idiot. It's obvious by his own behavior and words.
"The idiot cares nothing about public life, much less public service. The idiot cares only about his own name."
In the case of vehement Trump supporters, these statements are patently untrue. As a matter of fact, the entire last paragraph is a mess of blatant theorizing and opinion. most of it flat out wrong. This sort of pedantic writing usually follows an author seeking to craft a product based on his pet definitions of a single word.
In the case of vehement Trump supporters, these statements are patently untrue. As a matter of fact, the entire last paragraph is a mess of blatant theorizing and opinion. most of it flat out wrong. This sort of pedantic writing usually follows an author seeking to craft a product based on his pet definitions of a single word.
4
Wake up people - none of this matters. If you don't want Trump to get reellected you will have to get smarter. For instance, he keeps trying to pass travel bans that keep being rejected. Trump doesn't care if they pass. He only wants to say in 2020 "the courts have ignored the voice of the American people, but I stood by you, I tried". Trump cares about power, so getting reellected is way more important than policy. The only way to stop Trump is to show to his supporters how his leadership has negative consequences for them. That will take time, and a willingness to talk to Trump supporters, about health care, tax code, etc. Attacking Trump with intellectual insults will only strengthen his base. It may feel satisfying i.n the moment, but has little use. Get Real!!!
52
Dear god .... can his base truly be so intellectually vulnerable? I fear you are right.
1
Idiot - perfect description of the Trump Voter.
27
How would this invective help to unseat Trump ?
Satisfying to use but self-defeating in the end.
Better to show (with evidence) that he lied, broke the laws, obstructed justice, proposed policies harmful to his own base, alienated allies, emboldened our enemies, inexplicably showed zero interest in Russian destruction of our democracy, thus far had no inclination to fill posts to keep government functioning, improperly calling US Attorneys to cultivate them (Preet B) followed by sacking them when they refused to accept his patronage.......
Satisfying to use but self-defeating in the end.
Better to show (with evidence) that he lied, broke the laws, obstructed justice, proposed policies harmful to his own base, alienated allies, emboldened our enemies, inexplicably showed zero interest in Russian destruction of our democracy, thus far had no inclination to fill posts to keep government functioning, improperly calling US Attorneys to cultivate them (Preet B) followed by sacking them when they refused to accept his patronage.......
7
Therefore ALL conservatives are IDIOTS too! Let it be broadcasted AND well known!
13
Not all conservatives are idiots, for example, John McCain.
I can't believe it - if you look up "idiot" in the dictionary, you really will find a picture of DJT! SAD!
18
I think you are disparaging idiots by comparing them to Trump.
26
Don’t confuse an idiot and a wise fool. Society can tolerate only so much truth at a time.
3
Though I can't abide the man, his family or his ruinous political leanings, this pointed article makes me sad.
Mr Trump may be piteously lacking in self awareness, propriety and the necessary presidential skill set we have come to expect in the White House; but these shortcomings make him flawed (maybe even dangerously so) yet not an idiot.
In my view, to say so at great length is mean spirited.
Mr Trump may be piteously lacking in self awareness, propriety and the necessary presidential skill set we have come to expect in the White House; but these shortcomings make him flawed (maybe even dangerously so) yet not an idiot.
In my view, to say so at great length is mean spirited.
3
It is not mean spirited to want an improvement in a democratic way of life for all.
7
I understand your feeling. That said, the man does so many idiotic things and says so many idiotic things that I waver between hating him and pitying him.
1
Mean spirited, perhaps. Dead on, absolutely.
3
Given his history, Trump puts the "id" in "idiot."
13
In his article, Eric Anthamatten wrote: "To members of the community. his [the idiot's] utterances are the babblings of a baby or a madman, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing."
I was reminded, at once, of Macbeth. The phrase 'full of sound and fury, signifying nothing' was preceded by Macbeth saying, "Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage, and then is heard no more.'
President Trump, perceived by some to be an idiot, will no doubt have his hour. But will he be heard no more? I don't think we should be holding our breath just yet, for the Republicans [who took an idiot wandering the public space and thrust him to the highest office in the land] will choose to placate society by playing puppeteer than by getting rid of the idiot.
I was reminded, at once, of Macbeth. The phrase 'full of sound and fury, signifying nothing' was preceded by Macbeth saying, "Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage, and then is heard no more.'
President Trump, perceived by some to be an idiot, will no doubt have his hour. But will he be heard no more? I don't think we should be holding our breath just yet, for the Republicans [who took an idiot wandering the public space and thrust him to the highest office in the land] will choose to placate society by playing puppeteer than by getting rid of the idiot.
11
"I was reminded, at once, of Macbeth. The phrase 'full of sound and fury, signifying nothing' was preceded by Macbeth saying, "Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage, and then is heard no more.'"
Let's remind everyone of the complete phrase that comes after " . . . and then is heard no more" " . . . it is a tale/Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,/Signifying nothing."
Let's remind everyone of the complete phrase that comes after " . . . and then is heard no more" " . . . it is a tale/Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,/Signifying nothing."
The participants of the quiz might have shown more wisdom, if they bothered to consult some source, such as Etymology of Idiot in Wikipedia before using this term (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idiot).
The respondents were using ordinary contemporary usage. Wikipedia should look THEM up. The look-up might well start with your twitty comment.
Is "tweeter" the modern synonym for idiot?
8
@ Jeff Tbilisi, Georgia
In my view, absolutely yes, and this applies to all the "tweeters", "facebookers", "texters", etc.
In my view, absolutely yes, and this applies to all the "tweeters", "facebookers", "texters", etc.
2
Yes, Jeff.
Remember, you can't spell "twitter," without "twit."
Remember, you can't spell "twitter," without "twit."
2
Tweeting is a form of conversation. It takes place between all those whose vocabulary is limited.
Quite astute. With an idiot governing we have an Idiocracy.
14
That is a perfect description of the current state of things.
2
"The idiot cares nothing about public life, much less public service. The idiot cares only about his own name."
The person who cares about his own name lives too much in public.
The person who cares about his own name lives too much in public.
4
Some would object to the use of "idiot" to describe Trump or anyone else for justifiable PC reasons the author gets to when he discusses intelligence tests, much like the term "retarded" is now passe.
Fortunately there's always "trumpery," a real word that has been existence far before Trump started annoying New Yorkers decades ago.
trump*er*y
[ˈtrəmp(ə)rē]
NOUN
attractive articles of little value or use.
ADJECTIVE
showy but worthless:
"trumpery jewelry"
Who knew wordsmiths could have the ability to foretell the future?
Fortunately there's always "trumpery," a real word that has been existence far before Trump started annoying New Yorkers decades ago.
trump*er*y
[ˈtrəmp(ə)rē]
NOUN
attractive articles of little value or use.
ADJECTIVE
showy but worthless:
"trumpery jewelry"
Who knew wordsmiths could have the ability to foretell the future?
19
It is no small irony that the father of all Western political philosophy claimed 'idioteuein all' me demosieuein', "to be a private man [or 'idiotes', not a public person." His investigations started with what constituted a well-ordered or just state, then soul, then how this might reflect or illuminate the structure of reality. Socrates' "idiocy" thus led to the most profound and consequential reflections in the history of political philosophy, and have nothing to do with navel-staring. Trump's invasion of the political sphere, on the other hand, has the catastrophic effects of solipsism --"I alone can fix it!" -- the resulting consequences of which we see daily, and everywhere. Hence the descriptor most associated with Trump is "chaos." There is truth in the offhand gibe that Trump gives idiots a bad name.
3
Walter Parker's description of an idiot perfectly describes Trump. Yet, I have to wonder, what does it say about us when we allow an idiot to best us? I have no hope for changing the idiot, but I think we need to look in the mirror too and see how our apathy crowned the idiot. It hurts to admit that one of the few true and relevant things to come out of that idiot's mouth is "Democrats lost an election that they shouldn't have."
It is us who have to change, because we know that he never will. And if we believe we can change this idiot or the Republicans in Congress who allow him to carry their banner, are we really that smart?
Democrats and independents need to act smarter. It's not Trump's fault, it's not Putin's fault, it's not Paul Ryan's or Mitch McConnell's fault. We are the ones who failed by letting them win. So let's do something different, instead of expecting the same approach is going to have a different result next time.
It is us who have to change, because we know that he never will. And if we believe we can change this idiot or the Republicans in Congress who allow him to carry their banner, are we really that smart?
Democrats and independents need to act smarter. It's not Trump's fault, it's not Putin's fault, it's not Paul Ryan's or Mitch McConnell's fault. We are the ones who failed by letting them win. So let's do something different, instead of expecting the same approach is going to have a different result next time.
9
One idiot is not an anomaly, it is a reasonable part of any bell curve. However apparently 70 MILLION people think he is doing a great job. Still. Now that is an anomaly and the really interesting part of the puzzle.
So far the idiot in charge has agreed to pollute their streams, remove their health care, take away money from what little education system they now have...what will he have to do to get that 36% to wake up? Carpet bomb them?
So far the idiot in charge has agreed to pollute their streams, remove their health care, take away money from what little education system they now have...what will he have to do to get that 36% to wake up? Carpet bomb them?
20
IDIOT+IDIOM=CONFEFE.
6
Covfefe.
1
Trump thy name is Idiot......
I'll keep it civil. I can think of a lot worse...
I'll keep it civil. I can think of a lot worse...
3
"The idiot contributed nothing to public life or the common good. His existence depended on the skill and labor of others; he was a leech sucking the lifeblood from the social body. Related to this, idiocy (from the root idios, “one’s own”) was the state of a private or self-centered person."
What a perfect description of a capitalist.
What a perfect description of a capitalist.
9
Capitalism - been with us for a while. The exploitation of Democracy.
4
Reminds me of a very good political Limerick appearing in http://www.madkane.com/madness/2017/02/10/trump-humor-9/
About running the gov, Trump knows nought.
It’s much harder than #FumblingTrump thought,
Though supporters were told
That this CEO, bold,
Was equipped for the job that he sought.
It seems Trump and his voters believe
That all that it takes to achieve
What he wants is to say:
“Make it so! Find a way!”
And it’s done, at a magic wand’s heave.
But instead, Trump encounters delay;
Many lawmakers stand in his way,
Also bureaucrat drudges
And treacherous judges.
So he vows that he’ll soon make them pay.
Donald stews and he bitches and rails
And keeps posting his tweet-storming wails.
Yes, our nation’s now run
By a son of a gun —
A madman who only knows sales.
About running the gov, Trump knows nought.
It’s much harder than #FumblingTrump thought,
Though supporters were told
That this CEO, bold,
Was equipped for the job that he sought.
It seems Trump and his voters believe
That all that it takes to achieve
What he wants is to say:
“Make it so! Find a way!”
And it’s done, at a magic wand’s heave.
But instead, Trump encounters delay;
Many lawmakers stand in his way,
Also bureaucrat drudges
And treacherous judges.
So he vows that he’ll soon make them pay.
Donald stews and he bitches and rails
And keeps posting his tweet-storming wails.
Yes, our nation’s now run
By a son of a gun —
A madman who only knows sales.
4
I keep thinking of "rich white trash" in connection with the Trump clan.
According to Wikipedia, "white trash" are " people living on the fringes of the social order, who are seen as dangerous because they may be criminal, unpredictable, and without respect for authority whether it be political, legal, or moral."
That describes the Trumps to a tee.
According to Wikipedia, "white trash" are " people living on the fringes of the social order, who are seen as dangerous because they may be criminal, unpredictable, and without respect for authority whether it be political, legal, or moral."
That describes the Trumps to a tee.
23
Dehumanizing people as trash is a precursor to destroying them in killing fields and mass graves. The ignorance of the intellectual class about world history and current events is astounding.
I am confident that Trump voters are better educated and are adorned with more cultural capital than Clinton voters.
I am confident that Trump voters are better educated and are adorned with more cultural capital than Clinton voters.
1
The unpleasant truth is that today's white non-college educated working class person is not your grandfather's white non-college educated working class person.
Eighty years ago, there were many very intelligent people who did not attend college because of financial circumstances or because of discrimination against their race, religion or gender. Henry George, arguably the most brilliant American economist of the 19th century, left school at age 14. President Harry Truman was not a college graduate.
Today, with many exceptions, someone under the age of forty who was never interested in college probably is not very smart. That makes them vulnerable to the lies that got Trump elected. Even some with college educations are not able to understand that NAFTA and trade agreements in general increase employment and standards of living and that immigrants are not responsible for slow economic growth.
The Democrats are generally deluded in their belief that the current level of taxes on the middle-class is politically sustainable. In Hilary Clinton's speech announcing her candidacy she said that the middle class pays too much taxes. She never mentioned a middle-class tax cut again. Most middle-class households want lower taxes. In many cases middle-class households will grasp at any chance they think could lower their tax burden and support candidates who promise them a tax cut, no matter how odious the candidates might be otherwise..."
https://seekingalpha.com/article/4067359
Eighty years ago, there were many very intelligent people who did not attend college because of financial circumstances or because of discrimination against their race, religion or gender. Henry George, arguably the most brilliant American economist of the 19th century, left school at age 14. President Harry Truman was not a college graduate.
Today, with many exceptions, someone under the age of forty who was never interested in college probably is not very smart. That makes them vulnerable to the lies that got Trump elected. Even some with college educations are not able to understand that NAFTA and trade agreements in general increase employment and standards of living and that immigrants are not responsible for slow economic growth.
The Democrats are generally deluded in their belief that the current level of taxes on the middle-class is politically sustainable. In Hilary Clinton's speech announcing her candidacy she said that the middle class pays too much taxes. She never mentioned a middle-class tax cut again. Most middle-class households want lower taxes. In many cases middle-class households will grasp at any chance they think could lower their tax burden and support candidates who promise them a tax cut, no matter how odious the candidates might be otherwise..."
https://seekingalpha.com/article/4067359
6
And yet, if he is re-elected, will you be so completely shocked ?
3
We did double take for George W. We may do it again, unless Gov. Cuomo bans Trump from entering NYC!!
2
I am no fan of President Trump, and I love the New York Times, but I am quite disappointed that this article was published. It does not live up to the standard of high-quality journalism and carefully formulated opinion pieces that I have come to associate with this paper. It is disappointing and frankly unhelpful in the larger discussion about the perceived bias of this paper.
4
This article simply describes the history and shifting definitions of a word. If someone's bias is on display it's yours.
9
Ryan,
As you give nothing more than your opinion, your comments come across as "disappointing and frankly unhelpful in the 'smalle'" discussion about 'your obvious bias."
As you give nothing more than your opinion, your comments come across as "disappointing and frankly unhelpful in the 'smalle'" discussion about 'your obvious bias."
1
Wow, nailed it! DJT explained perfectly.
my mother warned me about name callers
How apt!!!
7
It is so insane to me that an op-ed like this is written about a sitting US President. That's not a critique of the piece or this paper; it's just bizarre that this is how far we've fallen.
15
JKR, you may be right about the piece - but what of the equal (or greater) insanity that THIS fellow is "a sitting President"? Worse yet, he is a sitting President with majorities in the House, Senate, and Supreme Court - none of which seems to have any inclination to restrain his worst impulses. One can scarcely blame the Times under these unprecedented circumstances !
3
I agree. To even suggest the students understood the ancient meaning of the words, or further that Donald Trump is the true definition of either Idiot, Imbecile or Moron, or is not a community person, when their is much evidence to the contrary, would suggest the writer himself suffers the mindless ailments he describes. For the NYT to allow this to be printed on a sitting president is shameful.
Simply, thank you.
Spectacular comparison, because of the abundance of truthiness!
8
"Charlatan" is the word that first comes to my mind in describing President Trump.
13
If we look at the last paragraph, yes, that describes Trump, but it equally, and maybe more so, describes Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell.
56
The best definition of an idiot that I can recall is “an individual who, when you point to the moon, he looks at your finger.”
When Mr. Comey points to Russia, Trump looks at Mr. Comey. It meets the definition.
When Mr. Comey points to Russia, Trump looks at Mr. Comey. It meets the definition.
172
Even my dog knows where to look when I point. But my dog is pretty smart.
8
Actually, an idiot is the individual who confuses the finger for the moon. Collectively, aka lemmings.
The 1st word that comes to my mind when I hear Clinton is LIAR!
The 2nd is MISOGYNISTIC enabler of a serial sex molester that should have lost his job job because of repeated sexual abuses when he was in a position of authority!
The 2nd is MISOGYNISTIC enabler of a serial sex molester that should have lost his job job because of repeated sexual abuses when he was in a position of authority!
The first term that always comes to mind when I describe Trump is 'idiot'. He also behaves idiotically which means to me he takes no reason for what he does but only reacts. Is that behaving idiotically I wonder?
As for facts, his are like facts but untrue. That doesn't seem to matter when you behave idiotically because you do not factor the truth in, just the immediate gratification of having said something idiotic because it can be fact checked.
I guess if the idiot population supports you it doesn't matter if you are the king of the idiots or act idiotically.
In the end you are someone's useful idiot because that is what you are and what you act out of.
The saddest part of this is the damage being done. Only an idiot would not recognize how it will eventually catch up to you. So far, the idiot in chief has managed to escape his own self damage because the playing field was different. Now the turf is different and only time will tell which self destruction takes out the idiot in chief.
I still believe that only an idiot would not see it coming.
As for facts, his are like facts but untrue. That doesn't seem to matter when you behave idiotically because you do not factor the truth in, just the immediate gratification of having said something idiotic because it can be fact checked.
I guess if the idiot population supports you it doesn't matter if you are the king of the idiots or act idiotically.
In the end you are someone's useful idiot because that is what you are and what you act out of.
The saddest part of this is the damage being done. Only an idiot would not recognize how it will eventually catch up to you. So far, the idiot in chief has managed to escape his own self damage because the playing field was different. Now the turf is different and only time will tell which self destruction takes out the idiot in chief.
I still believe that only an idiot would not see it coming.
56
Yes.
20
You guys have to be kidding. Tell me, would you have printed something this insulting about a survey targeting Obama's weak foreign policy skills?
10
President Obama thinks and speaks in complete sentences and understands that he is a member of a larger society; he is clearly intelligent on many levels.
Donald Trump is mostly smart in the sense that three-card Monte dealers are 'smart'.
On most other levels, Donald Trump qualifies as a legitimate idiot.
Thank you for the false equivalence, though, RS.
Donald Trump is mostly smart in the sense that three-card Monte dealers are 'smart'.
On most other levels, Donald Trump qualifies as a legitimate idiot.
Thank you for the false equivalence, though, RS.
93
If you think the effects of Obama's perceived skills or lack thereof are anywhere in the same league, nay, same sport, as what Trump is doing to our great nation, you have truly drunk the Kool Aid.
25
No, because Obama was brilliant. I imagine you voted for trump, which makes you also an ...
Oh… too good!
Do not miss the link to the Quinnipiac poll. At the top of the article. Amazing.
Largest gap ever to the question "which party should control the House of Representatives" 54-38 Democrats.
Previous record was 5 Republicans in 2013.
Wow. There's a wave coming that even Democrats might not screw up.
Lastly, have a good time with this read and note the criminal investigator toward the end who comments on why Trump didn't ask Comey anything about Russian election meddling.
https://bv.ms/2rRve1l
"The innocent want to know all kinds of details about the crime (because they were not there).
The guilty ask no questions.
They already know."
Trump knows.
Do not miss the link to the Quinnipiac poll. At the top of the article. Amazing.
Largest gap ever to the question "which party should control the House of Representatives" 54-38 Democrats.
Previous record was 5 Republicans in 2013.
Wow. There's a wave coming that even Democrats might not screw up.
Lastly, have a good time with this read and note the criminal investigator toward the end who comments on why Trump didn't ask Comey anything about Russian election meddling.
https://bv.ms/2rRve1l
"The innocent want to know all kinds of details about the crime (because they were not there).
The guilty ask no questions.
They already know."
Trump knows.
74
WHAT? How to lie , how to cheat, bet he's been a busy boy making up some fake tapes which he will release sometime soon , another case of which the Reps and their parrots loved to harp on , I was against it before I was for it or visa versa or versa visa , welcome to Trump universe .
1
deplorable
4
It is hard to discern what is deplorable...the article or the fact that our president is an idiot (strictly speaking).
Deplorable is so very Hillary mantra!!Sorry!!!!
1
Someone in one of these comments sections predicted last year that if the campaign became a name calling contest, we would be welcoming Mr. Trump to the presidency. And that is exactly what happened. Trump the misogynist, Islamophobe, racist, moron, idiot, narcissist, hater, xenophobe, became president. Actually, the name calling became quite creative, reaching kind of an art form.
And then what happened? the name callers, proud of their contributions to this new art form, doubled down, and like wind up dolls, the name calling has continued from them ever since, and has even gotten nastier than it was before the election, likely ensuring another Trump victory in 2020. And articles like this present one are simply more examples of the new art form, creatively cloaked in pseudo-intellectualism. But at root, it is as base and hateful as all the name callers whose buttons it pushes.
So, we may as well welcome Trump to a second term right now.
And then what happened? the name callers, proud of their contributions to this new art form, doubled down, and like wind up dolls, the name calling has continued from them ever since, and has even gotten nastier than it was before the election, likely ensuring another Trump victory in 2020. And articles like this present one are simply more examples of the new art form, creatively cloaked in pseudo-intellectualism. But at root, it is as base and hateful as all the name callers whose buttons it pushes.
So, we may as well welcome Trump to a second term right now.
4
Speaking truth to power, in this case in a very creative and colorful manner, lets us get out of bed in the morning. I don't know about you, but it is not possible for the rest of us to reach any kind of peace with this person when every day brings more horror and incomprehensible utterances. I have to hope the Democrats will cut to the chase and finally win, win, win.
6
You seem to fit the definition very well indeed!
4
Ok Rich ; I get it. You don't want folks trying to describe Trump for what he is anymore.
Somehow you twist it into "Electing Trump"
So what was that "Thing" about Putin? About fake news ? The Lying Flynn ?, the Lying Sessions ?, the Lying Trump?
Your post tries to distract from all the words the Con Artist himself dribbled out. I'll refresh for you,..... Crooked Hillary, Lyin' Ted, Low energy Bush, the list goes on but ....everything the con artist said is a lie and really shouldn't be repeated. Oh ! and where are those tax returns? What if , before the election, the liar said "I'm never releasing them" ! Then said, "I'm trashing health care, NOT replacing it" and Then "I'm going to allow ISP's to sell your private data and allow the EPA to poison your food, air and water?" That list goes on and on too. But forget about all of the above...
Like the movie "The Graduate", You have one word for us.
"Adjectives"
Somehow you twist it into "Electing Trump"
So what was that "Thing" about Putin? About fake news ? The Lying Flynn ?, the Lying Sessions ?, the Lying Trump?
Your post tries to distract from all the words the Con Artist himself dribbled out. I'll refresh for you,..... Crooked Hillary, Lyin' Ted, Low energy Bush, the list goes on but ....everything the con artist said is a lie and really shouldn't be repeated. Oh ! and where are those tax returns? What if , before the election, the liar said "I'm never releasing them" ! Then said, "I'm trashing health care, NOT replacing it" and Then "I'm going to allow ISP's to sell your private data and allow the EPA to poison your food, air and water?" That list goes on and on too. But forget about all of the above...
Like the movie "The Graduate", You have one word for us.
"Adjectives"
No leader is ever really in charge. A leader is conjured into existence by a people. An idiot leader is empowered by an idiot people. Totalitarianism is idiocracy. A good idiocrat is always affirming the “common good,” measured by his own idiosyncratic whims. The idiocrat loses his autonomy and individuality in the idiosyncrasy of the crowd, and fills the void left by true ideas with idiosyncratic inventions of prejudice and self-interest. It takes courage and sacrifice to be an individual. The true idiot knows how to dispense with both and seek his solace and strength in fellow idiots. The idiot-in-chief prides himself on fulfilling the will of the people. Sadly, the irruption of idiocy on the world stage is a condition whose causes are still poorly understood.
2
No leader is ever really in charge. A leader is conjured into existence by a people. An idiot leader is empowered by an idiot people. Totalitarianism is idiocracy. A good idiocrat is always affirming the “common good,” measured by his own idiosyncratic whims. The idiocrat loses his autonomy and individuality in the idiosyncrasy of the crowd, and fills the void left by true ideas with idiosyncratic inventions of prejudice and self-interest. It takes courage and sacrifice to be an individual. The true idiot knows how to dispense with both and seek his solace and strength in fellow idiots. The idiot-in-chief prides himself on fulfilling the will of the people. Sadly, the irruption of idiocy on the world stage is a condition whose causes are still poorly understood.
13
This has made my day: NY Times now officially trolling Trump. Love it!
10
Do you mean to say that half of the nation who agreed with his agenda are also considered idiots?
7
It was considerably less than half, and yes.
22
Technically, only 22% of Eligible Voters voted for Trump.
Approx 24% voted for Clinton.
Approx 50% of Eligible Voters did not cast a vote.
So less than 25% of US voters voted for him.
Approx 24% voted for Clinton.
Approx 50% of Eligible Voters did not cast a vote.
So less than 25% of US voters voted for him.
22
Nope!
Only the Electoral college dudes.
We the people voted for Hillary.
Only the Electoral college dudes.
We the people voted for Hillary.
You are describing Mr. Trump as an idiot. I agree with you - how about his supporters? Deplorable? Mr. Trump has become an idiot because of strong support from those deplorable. Unfortunately, IQs of those deplorable may be higher in some sense but detrimental to the nation. Those deplorable supporter do not understand they are digging their own graves supporting an idiot President.
11
Well, yes.
I f you see the Gauss curve of population IQ, 33 % of idiots is very close.
I f you see the Gauss curve of population IQ, 33 % of idiots is very close.
1
I think it is fair to call Trump's "base" not as idiots or deplorable. ( I know several Trump supporters and they are definitely not dumb, idiots or deplorable.) I would say that those who voted for him and who think he is great are better described as gullible, conned, trustful in what he promised etc. I think he spoke to their hopes and fears but they were not turned off by his crudeness, discernible lying, narcissism etc as I was. Yes, I am a liberal but aside from that, Trump would never have convinced me of his truthfulness and sincerity. He purports to lead the Republican Party, the party of "family values" etc and yet he is vulgar, a serial adulterer, dishonest, a cheat and so forth. How do conservatives (and so-called Christian evangelicals) reconcile that with what used to be some of their core beliefs? I just don't get it.
1
I'm no fan of Trump, but this opinion piece is gratuitous and beneath the NY Times.
4
looks like the term fits. just like nixon who had a high approval rating when he resigned.
some people just have a hard time with the truth.
some people just have a hard time with the truth.
5
I, and many of us, understand your concern. However, with Trump and the cricket breeding republicans having the potential to do so much harm, we are scared out of our wits. Clearly, this is important psychotherapy to help us survive. Unfortunately, the Times is just preaching to the choir. Trumps's apologists do not read the Times. They watch False News and listen to right wing radio. :((
You have completely ignored the explanation of the true meaning of the word " idiot".
Why ?
Why ?
2
No leader is ever really in charge. A leader is conjured into existence by a people. An idiot leader is empowered by an idiot people. Totalitarianism is idiocracy. A good idiocrat is always affirming the “common good,” measured by his own idiosyncratic whims. The idiocrat loses his autonomy and individuality in the idiosyncrasy of the crowd, and fills the void left by true ideas with idiosyncratic inventions of prejudice and self-interest. It takes courage and sacrifice to be an individual. The true idiot knows how to dispense with both and seek his solace and strength in fellow idiots. The idiot-in-chief prides himself on fulfilling the will of the people. Sadly, the irruption of idiocy on the world stage is a condition whose causes are still poorly understood.
3
" Given all this, the idiot can be defined as such: a prepubescent, parasitic solipsist who talks only to himself " enough said
It is tempting though to codify "The Idiots shalt not vote" into the constitution.
On second thoughts, scrap the idea and just mandate 4 year college education for all. 4 years of college and universal healthcare should be mandatory.
But wait, isn't that what the Obamas (Barack and Michele) tried to do? I guess the Idiots (GOP) did not like it !
It is tempting though to codify "The Idiots shalt not vote" into the constitution.
On second thoughts, scrap the idea and just mandate 4 year college education for all. 4 years of college and universal healthcare should be mandatory.
But wait, isn't that what the Obamas (Barack and Michele) tried to do? I guess the Idiots (GOP) did not like it !
Interesting to note that another synonym for idiot, “cretin”, derives from the Latin term for “Christian”.
11
Guess that's what was thought of Christians at that time .
1
Usually referring to those with stunted growth or thyroid conditions, the term cretin, derived from the Latin Christian in French, marked that those suffering were not animals subject to disposal or eradication (eugenics).
1
My father always affirmed that there are no Christians; only one: Jesus.
All others are hypocrites. Just look at the Deep South in Sunday's mornings, full fo racists "Praying"... Vivi è impara.
All others are hypocrites. Just look at the Deep South in Sunday's mornings, full fo racists "Praying"... Vivi è impara.
1
You've convinced me. I'll have to give up saying "cretin", and "moron". I love the way they sound, but they don't measure up to idiot. Great article.
11
Trump is our Nero. An idiot, not fiddling, but tweeting covfefe while he adds kindling for our continuing self-immolation. The only question: will we extinguish the flames in time...?
21
More than likely not, the damage has started and it is ever increasing. Russia has been the real winner in all of this, along with trump's businesses (he did state he would profit from the presidency). Our only hope is that this moron will self destruct with frustration, resistance must continue so he never "enjoys" being president. Our real undoing will be if he gets re-elected in 2020.
Actually the term is more accurately applied to the people who put him there--particularly who voted against their own interests--hello red states and particularly west virginia
30
As an as an English major, beautiful!
5
All is not lost. If the author of this piece were to execute a similar analysis of the word 'parasite', he would find that far from being just selfish and destructive actors in an ecology, parasites drive its evolution, a dynamic that is apparent in both biological and social systems. Trump will do some damage, but our political system will emerge from his time in office in a healthier state.
6
I often think this. that this is the worst case scenario lived through and we should be inoculated against this type of idiotic virus. so I hope. if it doesn't kill you...
As they say, from your mouth to God's ears.
Since all of these definitions fit our current "leader", I am now more frightened of his holding power than I was before, if that's possible.
7
Brilliant! It even made me laugh.
11
Remember Chauncey Gardiner? Peter Sellers' moving portrayal in "Being There" is well worth watching again! But imagine a ruthless hybrid of Dr Strangelove Chauncey Gardiner. And be very afraid.
8
Chauncey might have an idiot but he was a likable idiot. A screen for the public to project their wishes and desires. DT is not a likable idiot, to say the least.
A thoroughly horrible human being with no character whatsoever.
I prefer Chauncey and his nursery rhyme wisdom.
A thoroughly horrible human being with no character whatsoever.
I prefer Chauncey and his nursery rhyme wisdom.
This article, and the subsequent rantings in the comments, fail to grasp why Trumpists voted the way they did. The possibility of having a good life was ripped away from them starting in the 1980's as the US became easier to move out of for manufacturing and other businesses. They blamed all politicians, but traditional Democratic voters turned Republican. They did so because their old allies, the Democrats, stepped up for Other People's Rights. We all agree here that equality is a fundamental good, but people who lose their jobs look for people who give them an easy answer of who to blame. The gutting of the American economy continued, and Washington did not appear to care at all. This made people angrier, and local officials and media meatheads declared that anyone who talked or thought like the Liberal Elite is, by definition, against you. The lines were drawn. The Republicans, having no need for a credible jobs program due to the success of their marketing campaign against the Democrats, just kept doing the same and more of it. Thump the Bible, yell at liberals, decry the PC world. Eventually, the Trump voter learned that he was being completely ignored, and that his basic plight of joblessness and hopelessness did not matter to the very people who marched in the streets saying it mattered. To the Trump votel, the enemy was everywhere, so bring in the wrecking team. They thought: "If I must lose, then so will you." Sheer political nihilism.
22
You only allude to the key to all of this, which was/is demonization of all other groups, whose sole aim in life is to strip away from you all that is rightfully yours. In short: hate.
I think the commenters and I fully understand why Trump was voted in. Clinton offered the possibility of changing the playing field, regardless of what you may think of her "elite" status. The green energy market has been in full play, as the need to change direction and, for constituents, to hammer their representatives for necessary changes. No one that I know is blind to the need for massive change, but Trump's explanation for the loss of jobs is not based on recognized facts. Trade has not decimated jobs as much as technology has displaced workers. Now, we need workers to maintain the robotic technology in place. Do people suffer when massive change comes? Of course, but to vote in a package of racism, bigotry, business corruption and bullying is a grave mistake. We all need to look for leaders who listen to the disenfranchised. This President is bilking them for all they're worth.
1
it is. they see immigrants working hard and getting ahead mostly through education. And they cant take it. the Education system I think esp. in the red states, has failed when he says " I love the poorly educated" and get elected???For any immigrant the most important thing is getting the best education for their kids no matter what they have to go thru. I have a sense that in these deeply red states a good education is considered elitist No science- cause it will ruin your attitude towards climate change, gun control, other cultures, statistics, gender issues etc.. etc... etc... education has failed BIGLY in the US. btw Trump is a great example that money alone doesn't buy an education or produce and educated person.
No one can destroy us, lest we destroy ourselves. Our current politics is just a manifestation of decades of a blind eye by our media, the comfort voting by our population and the exploitation of our country's wealth by a few clever and ambitious individuals. For that to change, we needed a shock like the current presidency... How to forget all the whitewashing of the financial scandals by this newspaper and other media? All the big moguls and wall street traders continued to be given the same free pass as they always had. Democrats and Republicans own this mess but they worry only about their mandate terms. What happens to history is someone else's problem... Nero's Rome was exactly at this tipping point. We found Nero again. Are we going to let the Republic fall?
1
yeah, just blame the media.
...propose two additional categories where trump falls emotionally-- between 10 and 13, an 'idbecile'; and between 13 and 16, a 'morobecile'.
2
Given the unwavering support of Trump loyalists, it appears the President has founded his very own Church of Idiotology.
7
Brilliant, thank you!
3
You get what you vote for.
6
"We The People" Voted for Mrs. Clinton.
Count to 3,000,000 and you may grasp how many more voted for her than the idiot.
Count to 3,000,000 and you may grasp how many more voted for her than the idiot.
If Trump is the logical expression of our "Idiocracy," anyone standing outside that "common, public good," at least for the right reasons, such as survival of the species and human dignity, is in fact not an idiot, but something quite the opposite and complimentary. Fear of being labelled an "idiot," among other things, keeps otherwise good people silent and we know from experience by now and beyond the adage, what happens when good people fail to act.
1
I'm a communication scholar, and the stuff on idiom also strikes me as off, especially for those eager to oppose our idiot-in-chief. Key quote: "To members of the community, his utterances are the babblings of a baby or a madman, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing." Comments like these are symptomatic of another kind of idiocy, which is particularly apparent on the Left. Anytime the discourse of the other strikes us as nonsense, the problem is ours not theirs.
A lot of 'idiots' in this linguistic sense running very large companies and spending very large amounts of money to elect other idiots to high office. I guess we truly ARE living in an idiocracy. So sad!
7
This is a brilliant article. I now have a much better understanding of what the term "idiot" originally meant, and I agree 100% with its application to our president.
7
While interesting, this article's focus on terminology is less useful than a focus on the "making" of Mr. Trump or his recent activities. As a matter of respect to the office of the presidency, I refrain from using derogatory language as it is understood by the majority of people. Descriptions of Mr. Trump's behavior are much more useful. Labels are just opinions, while facts--the behavior--do not change.
5
Hi, Barbara. I understand and laud your resistance to using labels. However, the author is giving definitions, not opinion. We are hearing over and over again about Mr. Trump's behavior and apparent personality traits. What we aren't doing is understanding why and how and what to expect. I think words help but we have to understand the meaning of them to use them properly.
4
Another reader who has missed the point of this article: the writer is explaining the true,original meaning of the word "idiot".
1
Respect for a liar, a crook, a thief, a bully? Contempt and complete disgust, no room for any respect. I will respect him when he is behind bars where he belongs and he says something to make me think he finally understands why he was wrong.
2
"The idiot speaks only in idioms, though these function for him not as colorful additions to a language or culture, but are understood by him alone. "
As in covfefe.
America , what have you done to yourself ! You have elected , sort of , a deranged conman as your president. The rational , free world is watching this train wreck in real time & wishing you relief from it. The USA is not perfect but it is so much better than the Trump-GOP regime. A 5 million person march on DC to shake the gates off the WH and eject the GOP from Congress is needed.
As in covfefe.
America , what have you done to yourself ! You have elected , sort of , a deranged conman as your president. The rational , free world is watching this train wreck in real time & wishing you relief from it. The USA is not perfect but it is so much better than the Trump-GOP regime. A 5 million person march on DC to shake the gates off the WH and eject the GOP from Congress is needed.
27
I could write an autobiography titled "Outnumbered by Idiots". I have felt that way my entire life...
11
"Surrounded by assassins !" - Jimmy Durante
1
These denigration of Trump are in someways as dangerous as he is. When conservatives bashed Obama with sneering contempt, while the right wing seemed delighted, liberals were appalled. Trump can be held to account without spitting on him.
9
Conservatives bashed Obama with untruths, distortions and outright lies, not because of what he did or did not do, but because of who and what he was. Liberals, for want of a better term, bash Trump because he is monumentally unfit for the office he holds, refuses to want to learn more about his duties, and insists the rules and laws governing his behavior don't apply to him. Trump is bashed because his actions are detrimental to America and dangerous to our entire planet. Begone with your idiotic false equivalence.
13
The GOP was determined that Obama be a one term president and did everything they could to prevent his programs from being enacted. But Obama was not about to destroy the government because he was unable to understand how it works and had no interest in really learning how it works. Trump has no curiosity that would benefit the citizens of the USA. Obama was never a danger even if you did not like his policies. Trump is a danger because he does not understand his policies.
10
Denigration of President Obama was purely raced based. Denigration of Trump is based on merit (or lack thereof).
3
By interesting coincidence, the weekend Guardian carried an interview with Naomi Klein, in which she said of Donald Trump:
“I think he is a showman and that he is aware of the way that shows can distract people. That is the story of his business. He has always understood that he could distract his investors and bankers, his tenants, his clients from the underlying unsoundness of his business, just by putting on the Trump show. That is the core of Trump. He is undoubtedly an idiot, but do not underestimate how good he is at that.”
“I think he is a showman and that he is aware of the way that shows can distract people. That is the story of his business. He has always understood that he could distract his investors and bankers, his tenants, his clients from the underlying unsoundness of his business, just by putting on the Trump show. That is the core of Trump. He is undoubtedly an idiot, but do not underestimate how good he is at that.”
42
Good post.
I believe she also said that she saw the man Trump as a cross between a human being and a corporation.That's brilliant.
I believe she also said that she saw the man Trump as a cross between a human being and a corporation.That's brilliant.
1
Lovely article! However, some analysis should have also been given to the term "ideology," which in the case of today's GOP should be "idiotology."
19
IDIOT+IDIOM=CONFEVE!
1
tsk tsk tsk it is correctly "covfefe" or I have forgotten what I was going to say.
Trump aside, it is a pleasure to see someone who can look at language as it was and how it evolved. In the case of "idiot" it is clear and understandable, if not totally appropriate.
I wish someone would now examine the etomological evolution of "factoid". The suffix "oid" is from Greek, and it means "like", so a factoid is fact-like. Maybe Kellyanne Conway should have used the term "factoid" to describe presidential rants, i.e., like facts but not really true, instead of "alternate facts".
I wish someone would now examine the etomological evolution of "factoid". The suffix "oid" is from Greek, and it means "like", so a factoid is fact-like. Maybe Kellyanne Conway should have used the term "factoid" to describe presidential rants, i.e., like facts but not really true, instead of "alternate facts".
6
The most worrisome "idiots" are the millions of voters who refuse to take part in our electoral process and allow other "idiots" to be elected to run the country. These people don't think that politics matters, even as bad decisions undermine every feature of their life. According to the Times, many young British voters turned out recently to weaken Theresa May. They suddenly woke up to the fact that Brexit was taking away cherished liberties, including free movement across states and multi-national educational opportunities. Must such "idiots" be so damaged before they wake up? Will our "idiots" wake up in 2018 and 2020?
31
The idiots will not collectively wake up before 2018 and 2020. About 35% of them are still ardent, passionate supporters of the Idiot in Chief, while Democrats have quite a few of their very own ones as well.
The latter group was filled with rage against Hillary, and many of them voted third of fourth party for 'president', stupidly ignoring that that was an automac extra vote for Trump.
The latter group was filled with rage against Hillary, and many of them voted third of fourth party for 'president', stupidly ignoring that that was an automac extra vote for Trump.
Who was the "Idiot" -- Themistocles or Pericles?
The experienced sailor who saw Athens' future as a defensive sea power and saved Greece from an overwhelming Persian fleet (Salamis)? and had to flee for his life.
Or Pericles who saw greatness in conquest and overextended his country's resources until it collapsed?
Or Ye Sun-sin? The outcast Admiral who saved Korea from Japanese invasion?
Or Robert Blake who rebuilt the English Navy after most of the Royal Navy fled with the fleet to the Netherlands to avoid fighting the Corsairs who were raiding the English coast? [Blake stopped the raids and established the Navy England knows today.]
Japan minded its own business for centuries until forced to open its borders to western influence and began the Meiji restoration.
It saw what Western influence did to China (opium) and began to westernize.
The TransSiberian RR threatened the balance of power in East Asia, so Japan attacked and destroyed the Russian Fleet at Port Arthur (not welcome). Japan, denied the spoils of victory, saw it as racist.
Russia sought to avenge itself by sending its Western Fleet to Japan and lost it as well. Eventually, Russian losses led to the overthrow of the Tsar and the rise of the USSR.
Teddy Roosevelt got a Nobel Peace Prize for brokering the peace conference in the US. When Japan asked him how small nations become great nations, he answered: by conquering smaller neighbors. So, it attacked Korea and Manchuria, leading towards WW2 in the Pacific.
The experienced sailor who saw Athens' future as a defensive sea power and saved Greece from an overwhelming Persian fleet (Salamis)? and had to flee for his life.
Or Pericles who saw greatness in conquest and overextended his country's resources until it collapsed?
Or Ye Sun-sin? The outcast Admiral who saved Korea from Japanese invasion?
Or Robert Blake who rebuilt the English Navy after most of the Royal Navy fled with the fleet to the Netherlands to avoid fighting the Corsairs who were raiding the English coast? [Blake stopped the raids and established the Navy England knows today.]
Japan minded its own business for centuries until forced to open its borders to western influence and began the Meiji restoration.
It saw what Western influence did to China (opium) and began to westernize.
The TransSiberian RR threatened the balance of power in East Asia, so Japan attacked and destroyed the Russian Fleet at Port Arthur (not welcome). Japan, denied the spoils of victory, saw it as racist.
Russia sought to avenge itself by sending its Western Fleet to Japan and lost it as well. Eventually, Russian losses led to the overthrow of the Tsar and the rise of the USSR.
Teddy Roosevelt got a Nobel Peace Prize for brokering the peace conference in the US. When Japan asked him how small nations become great nations, he answered: by conquering smaller neighbors. So, it attacked Korea and Manchuria, leading towards WW2 in the Pacific.
2
I remember President Kennedy quoting the Ancient Greeks on the true meaning of the word "idiot", as one who did not become involved in public life. What a contrast to our current leader! Can anyone imagine our current president having the ability to quote the Classics?
15
So, some states have laws that preclude "idiots" from voting? Wonder if we could get those laws on the books for Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan in time for the 2020 election. By all accounts we would need to exclude only about 77,000 to turn the tide.
Trump may be perceived as an " idiot " by many people but he is the president of the United States, a goal achieved by very few people. Let's give the man a little credit. He has something going for him.
Yes. Millions upon millions of Koch, Merced, Scaife dolaars spent over the last 40 years to create the most ill-informed and resentful Republican voters in the history of this country.
9
Cunning, money, and a gullible public.
12
How he stumbled into the highest office in the land is through no skill of his own. He ranted and raved himself into winning the few states that made the difference much to his surprise. That people in those counties had been over-looked and were ripe for this charlatan's message makes sense to me. Sadly, we learn that he really was worse than any of us could imagine.
He has nothing going for him but bluster and let's tell it like it really is: he is in over his head, has no idea what the Office of the President requires, is not interested in the job beyond the pomp and circumstance and demonstrates that to the world's horror on a daily basis. And that's all.
He has nothing going for him but bluster and let's tell it like it really is: he is in over his head, has no idea what the Office of the President requires, is not interested in the job beyond the pomp and circumstance and demonstrates that to the world's horror on a daily basis. And that's all.
3
We can certainly agree that he is an idiot. However, I wouldn't like the discussion to be an either/or one, when it comes to the question if he is an idiot or a moron. I think he is both.
10
After all the information about this administration hits the fan, who wants to bet that his attorney's claim he's incompetent to stand trial and even that he is mentally incompetent, his attorney's want him in a private hospital setting instead of jail, which he rightfully belongs with all his motley putrid cohorts? He'll try anything to keep his power as long as he can. He will continue to destroy our Government and open up our Democracy to another invasion from Russia.
12
And of course there is the political term "useful idiot," often wrongly attributed to Lenin, used to refer to one whose simplicity can be manipulated for political purposes. The Russians consider Trump a useful idiot.
9
I am surprised that "saboteur" did not make the list. Trump wears a lot of hats- idiot, liar, rabble rouser, demagogue, intimidator, Svengali. But at the core of it, no matter what the personality de jour, he is undermining long held protocols, treaties, government offices, the Judiciary, the education system, the environment, ... . He is pitting American against American. Putin's investment is yielding the biggest ROI in the history of the world, yet 50% of America remains under Trumps spell, delighting in every sinister move he makes.
20
How about , abominable scoundrel ; our very own Yeti , maybe that's why Pitin is so fond of him.
Very interesting. I would say the word 'idiot' not only describes Donald. It also describes many of his supporters.
11
Ouch. I wonder what our thin-skinned president will make of this. I mean, consider the fact that the guy is still upset about Graydon Carter's "short-fingered vulgarian" label from decades ago. Do you think Trump suffers from insomnia (assuaged somewhat by all those post-midnight crazy tweets) from all that fretting? Oh, my ears and whiskers, thinks the idiot. People are saying mean things about me! Well, of course they are. And for good reason.
An idiot's tale, for sure. Sound and fury, yes. But it signifies plenty.
An idiot's tale, for sure. Sound and fury, yes. But it signifies plenty.
So maybe a more appropriate would be "imbecile", but I still prefer complete looser.
3
The intellectual definition of "idiot" confuses. Trump does not have a low IQ, but he does not seem capable of using his intelligence to help him be a capable president.
"Ableist" - how NYT trendy!
3
On NYTimes and elsewhere, I wrote in several of my comments something that is appropriate to repeat here that speaks to the political disaster we are all facing:
Idiocy is irreversible!
Idiocy is irreversible!
4
So libertarians are misnamed. Latin liberalis, being suitable for a free man, in contrast to the servile trade arts. Libertarians spurn the Latin free gentleman rules in favor of the closed off Greek idiocy.
With the self, uber alles, in the rcently borrowed Greek, auto, self, for the newly minted word autism, a diagnosis of a fundamental psychological theory of mind deficit that is also great predictor of who might be an idiot libertarians.
With the self, uber alles, in the rcently borrowed Greek, auto, self, for the newly minted word autism, a diagnosis of a fundamental psychological theory of mind deficit that is also great predictor of who might be an idiot libertarians.
2
Bingo.
1
Trump Happens.
1
Perfect! Despite our marvelous electronic toys, sometimes the best clarification of any troubling situation can be found in history and the good ol' dictionary.
5
An interesting piece of etymology, which should remind us that the meanings of words do not remain stable over time. The question becomes what is the "correct" or, god help us, the "original intent" of a word, phrase, sentence or constitution.
For years, Marx was assailed as sneering about "rural idiocy." But his "original intent" according to some scholars, was to describe the isolation and apartness of rural life from the emerging urban industrial environment, a vast difference not only in tone, but also meaning.
For years, Marx was assailed as sneering about "rural idiocy." But his "original intent" according to some scholars, was to describe the isolation and apartness of rural life from the emerging urban industrial environment, a vast difference not only in tone, but also meaning.
2
"...like a rudderless ship, without consequence save for the danger it posed to others.” But I believe in karma, I believe we reap what we sow. I hope to see Trump suffer appropriate consequences.
4
This stuff doesn't help very much. What do we gain by calling people stupid? About as much as Trump voters gain by calling us weak. Of course a serious and unpleasant attempt at consensus isn't nearly as much fun as a good mud pie fight--I'll admit that.
1
Nov 5, 2016 NYT Front Page: Hillary has 89% chance of victory.
The clock which strikes 13 not only brings into doubt the current time but all past and future times.
The clock which strikes 13 not only brings into doubt the current time but all past and future times.
1
So the first time you were incorrect in a prediction - you stopped thinking?
3
One typically thinks of "idiot" in the form of the individual to a single "idiotic action.
Trump takes a more holistic approach - one that encompasses virtually all of his waking state - including his policies, interactions, pretty much you name it. Think about it - how many people can any one of us name who have the talent to sustain a continuous long-term state of idiocy using something as simple as a Twitter account?
Trump takes a more holistic approach - one that encompasses virtually all of his waking state - including his policies, interactions, pretty much you name it. Think about it - how many people can any one of us name who have the talent to sustain a continuous long-term state of idiocy using something as simple as a Twitter account?
2
Despite how heinous we find the content of his character and the thoughts and concepts he communicates, he is great at communicating them. Somehow he is unable to lose his core following, no matter what he says or does. I'm genuinely baffled, but I wish I could understand it. If it could, then maybe I could find the antidote. For now, I have to stop pointing my finger at Trump and just hold onto my own core beliefs and values.
2
I have to hold my nose !
Seems that we are now living in an Idiocracy rather than a Democracy
9
Well said.
Perhaps, there is a convenient way to summarize: "L'etat, c'est moi".
Perhaps, required fairy-tale reading for such an individual's education:
1. Pinnochio - grow a conscience, perhaps even develop some empathy;
2. The Emperor's New Clothes - reality is, after all, all that there is;
3. The Most Incredible Thing (H.C. Andersen) - be careful what you wish for.
Perhaps, there is a convenient way to summarize: "L'etat, c'est moi".
Perhaps, required fairy-tale reading for such an individual's education:
1. Pinnochio - grow a conscience, perhaps even develop some empathy;
2. The Emperor's New Clothes - reality is, after all, all that there is;
3. The Most Incredible Thing (H.C. Andersen) - be careful what you wish for.
4
Wow! Talk about hitting the nail on the head. Bravo, Eric!
4
Thank you. This is why I subscribe to the New York Times.
A kakistocracy is a state or country run by the worst, least qualified, or most unscrupulous citizens.
In 2017, America is a kakistocracy.
Fortunately, there is a new group, Feminists United to Combat Kakistocracy In Trump times. It is blessed with a charming acronym.
In 2017, America is a kakistocracy.
Fortunately, there is a new group, Feminists United to Combat Kakistocracy In Trump times. It is blessed with a charming acronym.
8
MOST excellent.
"Self preservation was always also social preservation"
This biological ground-rule of human existence must also have some relevance in the minds of those who support this 'parasitic solipsist'.
The question then is what exactly would 'social preservation' actually mean to those for whom 'idiot' is not the go-to descriptor for Trump.
Does it mean social preservation for 'me & my family'? Me & my race & other people like me? Me & my fellow Americans, me & my small town, me & my church? Me & people who have a hair-texture similar to mine?
It's definitely not 'me & the greater community of wo/men & children' nor me & my country, nor is it remotely 'me & humanity as well as that which sustains humanity here on earth'.
Something has corrupted the concept of 'social preservation' in the red-state mind. To understand this, we need to understand what 'we' actually means to them. They definitely don't mean to include myself & half the nation who accepts a broader definition of what 'we' means.
So who exactly do Trump supporters believe is their community, let's be specific.
This biological ground-rule of human existence must also have some relevance in the minds of those who support this 'parasitic solipsist'.
The question then is what exactly would 'social preservation' actually mean to those for whom 'idiot' is not the go-to descriptor for Trump.
Does it mean social preservation for 'me & my family'? Me & my race & other people like me? Me & my fellow Americans, me & my small town, me & my church? Me & people who have a hair-texture similar to mine?
It's definitely not 'me & the greater community of wo/men & children' nor me & my country, nor is it remotely 'me & humanity as well as that which sustains humanity here on earth'.
Something has corrupted the concept of 'social preservation' in the red-state mind. To understand this, we need to understand what 'we' actually means to them. They definitely don't mean to include myself & half the nation who accepts a broader definition of what 'we' means.
So who exactly do Trump supporters believe is their community, let's be specific.
3
Thank you!
Finally something of worth in this series.
Usually the "philosophers" who write here have little insight into wisdom (Sophia).
Finally something of worth in this series.
Usually the "philosophers" who write here have little insight into wisdom (Sophia).
4
Interesting thoughts by Eric Anthamatten. Given what he writes, it looks like Trump is a moron, not an idiot. This is fitting, because when any of us kids acted recalcitrantly when we were growing up, our parents called us morons. They knew about idiots. Each of us probably had a cousin who was an actual idiot. There was usually one kid in the class who was an idiot. For all I know, today he's probably CEO of a major corporation, or President of the U.S.
But a moron has enough knowledge to conduct willfully disruptive behavior in order to achieve his main goal, to attract attention. He can bully people and entertain the lesser minds, those of the idiots and imbeciles.
They are allowed to vote. Generally, our democracy doesn't let them hold sway at election time, but stochastically there is no reason that they couldn't win an election, especially when helped by the Electoral College. Coupled with this is a Right Wing media industry, with its unethical pundits, that makes a fortune from these people. Instead of encouraging them to think, they feed them the nonsense that they want to hear, and writers like Coulter, Hannity and Limbaugh get rich.
And Twitter is a great enabler of the moron.
I don't know what's going to happen. Our democratic capitalism could fail, replaced by a Chinese model of government and the economy. We allow dumb voters to vote, and they can vote for any dumb fool they want. The Chinese can't vote for any dumb fool they want.
But a moron has enough knowledge to conduct willfully disruptive behavior in order to achieve his main goal, to attract attention. He can bully people and entertain the lesser minds, those of the idiots and imbeciles.
They are allowed to vote. Generally, our democracy doesn't let them hold sway at election time, but stochastically there is no reason that they couldn't win an election, especially when helped by the Electoral College. Coupled with this is a Right Wing media industry, with its unethical pundits, that makes a fortune from these people. Instead of encouraging them to think, they feed them the nonsense that they want to hear, and writers like Coulter, Hannity and Limbaugh get rich.
And Twitter is a great enabler of the moron.
I don't know what's going to happen. Our democratic capitalism could fail, replaced by a Chinese model of government and the economy. We allow dumb voters to vote, and they can vote for any dumb fool they want. The Chinese can't vote for any dumb fool they want.
7
Weeks ago I was scolded by a retired physician for blurting out during a very polite and civil discussion about our new president, "He is an idiot!" Can't wait to give him this article. I feel "vindicated"!
17
In today's psychological language this is what I think we would call a sociopath. I like the Greek word for it. Idiot. Ruled by Id. No Ego center. No Superego supervisor.
15
It is rather startling, isn't it, that the "conservatives" who clamored for Mitt "47%" Romney in 2012 by framing that election as a battle between "Makers" and "Takers" would get suckered just 4 years later into rallying behind the biggest Taker in the nation.
The contortions of their gymnastic hypocrisy was made that much more grotesque when Trump not only confessed, in a nationally televised debate, that he is a massive tax cheat, but claimed that it "makes me smart."
The contortions of their gymnastic hypocrisy was made that much more grotesque when Trump not only confessed, in a nationally televised debate, that he is a massive tax cheat, but claimed that it "makes me smart."
21
Should we extend a definition of an idiot to: "any coutry which elects an idiot to the highest office"?
15
How appropiate!
3
You might have gone a step further, and reminded us that the "id" is the individual's pure, selfish, narcissistic self, unconstrained by the socially conscious superego (or at least that's the Latin word word chosen by Freud's English translators). Maybe those States that still have laws on their books keeping the vote from "idiots" should also preclude their electorates from voting for an idiot (measured by the same standard). I haven't bothered to do the math, but I'm wondering if that would have swung the electoral college in Clinton's favor.
9
"......Kentucky, Mississippi, New Mexico and Ohio which officially do not allow idiots to vote." And yet they clearly do so in large numbers.
12
In New Mexico,48.2% of votes were for Hillary Clinton, 40% for Trump.
Had to smile at the thought of a time when "idiocy" meant the opposite of "policy."
(Reminds me of the old saw that if pro is the opposite of con, then progress is the opposite of Congress.)
(Reminds me of the old saw that if pro is the opposite of con, then progress is the opposite of Congress.)
175
Clearly, they haven't been following the voting law in KY, MS, and OH.
9
Yep, sounds about right!
6
Amen, and thank you!
3
Just about says it all.
3
I have no problem with all the negative qualities found in Trump. But, let's don't forget - even painful - than more than 60 millions of our fellow countryman/countrywoman voted for him.
Don't you think it is about time to pause and reflect what is wrong with our education system, our moral values and our society as a whole?
Don't you think it is about time to pause and reflect what is wrong with our education system, our moral values and our society as a whole?
23
I agree with all your points but what's puzzling is how many apparently normal adults could not see the character (lack of) of the 'so called' president.
My 5 yr old son said, "Daddy, what's wrong with that man"? I don't think education could be all that effective in helping people to detect a classic con artist.
It takes simple native intelligence.
My 5 yr old son said, "Daddy, what's wrong with that man"? I don't think education could be all that effective in helping people to detect a classic con artist.
It takes simple native intelligence.
1
While the author's etymology and expanded sense of the word "idiot' accurately describes our president, what I find more disturbing is how well it defines the underlying psychology of the Tea Party and modern libertarian thought.
9
Based on the way I use the word "idiot", I in no way contemplated the true meaning of the word, its origin, or how past cultures used the word.
I use it while dealing with bad drivers I encounter almost daily. I use it when my brother says something stupid. I use it and its adjective when I see something that happen which is idiotic. And I also use it to describe leaders who's often harsh decisions I disagree with. Bush, I thought at times was being an idiot. Obama too. Clinton .. yep, him too. Etc.
When I call Trump an idiot, I have to use adjectives to underscore that comment for it to feel comfortable for me. Like the describers such as; "gigantic", "huge", "super", and "amazing".
So I say to Eric Anthamatten, thank you for providing the history of the idiot. But in your next Op-Ed, kindly help to analyze the adjectives often preceding the word. Then you would be speaking to me.
I use it while dealing with bad drivers I encounter almost daily. I use it when my brother says something stupid. I use it and its adjective when I see something that happen which is idiotic. And I also use it to describe leaders who's often harsh decisions I disagree with. Bush, I thought at times was being an idiot. Obama too. Clinton .. yep, him too. Etc.
When I call Trump an idiot, I have to use adjectives to underscore that comment for it to feel comfortable for me. Like the describers such as; "gigantic", "huge", "super", and "amazing".
So I say to Eric Anthamatten, thank you for providing the history of the idiot. But in your next Op-Ed, kindly help to analyze the adjectives often preceding the word. Then you would be speaking to me.
2
Mr. Trump displays all the signs of an egomaniac, combined with extreme ignorance, extreme lack of intelligence, extreme dishonesty, and a tenuous relationship to reality. He has displayed the same characteristics his public life and, from what we've read about his childhood, probably his entire life. It is our misfortune that he didn't find the validation he craves in his involvement with professional wrestling - I imagine somebody spilled the beans and told him that it was fake - and his nightmares are now our nightmares. At least until attempts to fire or arrest the GOP congressional leadership.
3
A perfect representation of the man as well as the [on average] 53% of our polity which has refused to participate for the past 40 years. Thanks largely to them, we have the government a majority deserve. Thanks, idiots.
7
when my niece was 3 years old and very strong willed, I found that I could persuade her to go to bed at bed time by offering her a "choice" - the pink pajamas or the yellow pajamas. She fell for it every time. If she had not, I would not have thought of her as idiot but as pretty smart.
1
The problem with Trump is that he's a useful idiot -- useful to Putin, Bannon and perhaps congressional Republicans, useless to the rest of us.
13
The use of the term "idiot" to mean a person of low intelligence does not begin in the 19th century, as Mr. Anthematten says, but goes back to the early 14th century and Middle English. It is used in that sense by Chaucer, Shakespeare, and Milton. As the OED notes, legal authorities defined idiot as "one who is congenitally deficient in reasoning powers," and was not able to inherit land, among other restrictions.
5
Mr. Anthamatten, defining "idiot" as a descriptor of our president is deserved in light of his action and suspect demeanor but would you also consider defining "business man?"
What Trump has made painfully clear is that a business man such as he has no place running a country.
If you were to write that we are being led by an idiotic business man, that would just about cover it.
What concerns me more is that he has the support of 63 million voters.
What Trump has made painfully clear is that a business man such as he has no place running a country.
If you were to write that we are being led by an idiotic business man, that would just about cover it.
What concerns me more is that he has the support of 63 million voters.
6
It is nice to know that Trump has been upgraded to a noble status of a moron.
3
I never use the term idiot due to its past use to describe those with low intelligent quotients. It's best to erase it from one's vocabulary. It's mind-boggling that the term is still used.
A "self-defeating obtuse man" more sensitively describes the sentiment the writer seeks to achieve.
But today I was tickled to learn that D.C. and Maryland are filing a lawsuit accusing Trump, though his businesses, of being "deeply enmeshed with a legion of foreign and domestic government actors," constituting "unprecedented constitutional violations."
His sons still report corporate profits to him. Thus he's still involved. There's no blind trust, and he's been arrogant. And still isn't donating money earned at his hotels from foreign governments to the U.S. Treasury, as promised at his bogus press conference.
So this is the Emoluments Clause lawsuit, as a self-defeating obtuse man profits from foreign dignities at his hotels, at Mar-a-lago, and every single property where items are purchased and his corporations profit.
A "self-defeating obtuse man" more sensitively describes the sentiment the writer seeks to achieve.
But today I was tickled to learn that D.C. and Maryland are filing a lawsuit accusing Trump, though his businesses, of being "deeply enmeshed with a legion of foreign and domestic government actors," constituting "unprecedented constitutional violations."
His sons still report corporate profits to him. Thus he's still involved. There's no blind trust, and he's been arrogant. And still isn't donating money earned at his hotels from foreign governments to the U.S. Treasury, as promised at his bogus press conference.
So this is the Emoluments Clause lawsuit, as a self-defeating obtuse man profits from foreign dignities at his hotels, at Mar-a-lago, and every single property where items are purchased and his corporations profit.
9
Sir: Is Trump an "idiot", "Imbecile" or "Moron" or all three?
2
Undoubtedly, all three.
1
He's "like" a smart person!
And how amusing, his son wears a T-shirt "The Expert" while the idiot-prez wears his extra-long tie fixed with scotch tape. This piece perfectly describes the persona, dynamics and risk to us all.
1
"The idiot cares only about his own name. The idiot, by way of his actions, can destroy the social body. Eventually, the idiot destroys himself, but in so doing, potentially annihilates everyone along with him. He is a ticking time bomb in the middle of the public square."
On the basis of this description, ought not the GOP be rebranded as the Idiotic Party? The GOP's anti-communal idiotology puts Party first, motivates actions that "can destroy the social body," and seems bent on destroying itself, "but in so doing, potentially annihilates everyone along with" it. Is not the Ryan-Trump agenda, in its idiocy, "a ticking time bomb in the middle of the public square"?
Does individualistic American capitalism all but guarantee that idiots will rise to positions of economic and political power, and of societal control?
On the basis of this description, ought not the GOP be rebranded as the Idiotic Party? The GOP's anti-communal idiotology puts Party first, motivates actions that "can destroy the social body," and seems bent on destroying itself, "but in so doing, potentially annihilates everyone along with" it. Is not the Ryan-Trump agenda, in its idiocy, "a ticking time bomb in the middle of the public square"?
Does individualistic American capitalism all but guarantee that idiots will rise to positions of economic and political power, and of societal control?
2
"As democracy is perfected, the office of President represents, more and more closely, the inner soul of the people. On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart's desire at last and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron.”
HL Mencken. 1880-1956....journalist, satirist, sage of Baltimore, editor Sun
HL Mencken. 1880-1956....journalist, satirist, sage of Baltimore, editor Sun
8
Wonderful 'stone' article. My winter neighbours in Florida (and my wife), put a gag order on me, i.e .not allowed to talk or think - it's not the GOP way. When, child-like, I mention that the "emperor has no clothes", i'm told to shush.
My neighbours from Ohio (esp) Michigan, Indiana etc, won't talk about the mess of US politics, and they are "idiots", so to speak.
My neighbours from Ohio (esp) Michigan, Indiana etc, won't talk about the mess of US politics, and they are "idiots", so to speak.
2
Trump, his father's money, hired guns (such as predatory lawyers, PR agents, & power-hungry/desperate politicians - the GOP leadership) enabled the idiot to get here. GOP has become the party of idiots by refusing to listen to any facts, denying common sense, and neglecting their responsibilities and duties as public servants. GOP has been inadvertently turning the entire US into a nation of idiots, the laughingstock of the world.
5
A rapacious, vindictive narcissist-idiot, enabled by his father's fortune and a punitive GOP. A match made in Hades.
6
Word association is pretty unusual for a polling company. I don't think idiot is at all the right word for Trump. Idiots are bumblling fools who are harmless. My word would have been dangerous. Reviewing the poll. it's pretty misleading. They questioned 1,073 people. 39 or 3.8% answered idiot. The poll has been widely publicized with the word idiot in the headlines. When you poll 1,073 people what 39 people say doesn't tell you much. And when more than half do not respond most people don't care to go there. Idiot is just the wrong word, with all due respect to the 3.8% who think otherwise.
"The idiot speaks only in idioms, though these function for him not as colorful additions to a language or culture, but are understood by him alone."
This is the explanation we all needed as to the roots and meaning of Covfefe.
This is the explanation we all needed as to the roots and meaning of Covfefe.
3
As idiotic has Trump was, he knew how to reach angry voters, with the power of NO. The Democrats still seem to be clueless. Are they idiots, too?
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Where was Hillary and where was Obama? I think that the Democrats have been taking the American people as idiots, as fools, as suckers.
I think the Democrats need a playbook, a handbook which respects voter intelligence and concerns. They might put their playbook online for all to see.
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Where was Hillary and where was Obama? I think that the Democrats have been taking the American people as idiots, as fools, as suckers.
I think the Democrats need a playbook, a handbook which respects voter intelligence and concerns. They might put their playbook online for all to see.
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It appears the states mentioned as having laws prohibiting idiots from voting didn't follow them sine they went for the idiot.
2
It would seem then, that an idiot would also be readily able to commit treason against any country for the idiot's perceived personal gain.
2
This idiot now holds office to the most powerful country in the world. The idiot has managed to undo decades of legislation to benefit the rich and those in power. The idiot does not believe in adequate health care nor does he believe in climate change. The idiot spreads lies, deception, hate and creates division. The idiot acts with impunity having no regard for our democracy or our laws. The idiot’s vindictiveness lashes out at anyone he cannot control and or disagrees with his opinion. The idiot has loyalty….only to himself and the almighty dollar yet he has a following of supporters including the other idiots of the GOP. The overall blindness by others not to see this idiot and what he represents is alarming and disgraceful.
The idiot reigns supreme. While we the American people try to make a living and take care of our families; while we enjoy our recreation and activities; while we watch our TVs and be entertained with sports; even while we’re in bed sleeping; the idiot remains vigil and will gradually destroy our way of life and the country as we know it.
This is more than being an idiot……...it is pure evil.
The idiot reigns supreme. While we the American people try to make a living and take care of our families; while we enjoy our recreation and activities; while we watch our TVs and be entertained with sports; even while we’re in bed sleeping; the idiot remains vigil and will gradually destroy our way of life and the country as we know it.
This is more than being an idiot……...it is pure evil.
2
What' the purpose of and emphasis on education and higher education, if we can't enlighten and change the alleged "idiots"? There seem to be so many young people in colleges/universities and people with undergraduate and/or advanced degrees, who still act and think idiotic - self-absorbed, withdrawn, and ignorant. What's up with that? Is America an idiot as a nation?
Got it! Trump = Idiot, without a doubt.
1
If Trump is an idiot, what does that make the folks taking those polls?
1
Trouble is our "prepubescent, parasitic solipsist who talks only to himself" has a twitter account. He also has Ann Coulter, Rush Limbaugh, the whole FakesNews network and a bunch of so called republicans lackeys to help spread his idiocy. I am increasingly concerned about the partisan grand canyon that is widening in the country. We are frustrated by the triumph of the idiots, they are enraged by a world in accelerated expansion that seems increasingly rigged against them and their way of life. Are those "idiotes" marching us toward another civil war? After trump executive order allowing deranged folks and "idiotes" to buy bazookas, we sure have all the hardware we need for that...
1
Peaceful revolution comes from desperation and idealistic inspiration. Citizens must be passionate and have the attitude that there is nothing to lose. America has not arrived at that particular moment yet, but it is in the horizon. The idiot in chief has demonstrated his ineptness for all to see, except for his cult and the low information folks. They must be convinced and assured that voting for the idiot was a mistake and they were conned and deceived. This realization will sink in the next few months, when the mistakes mount and the economy tanks. Then and only then he will resign or be removed by bipartisan agreement, and measures will be taken to prevent another extinction level event to reoccur, leading to the founding of the second republic of United States.
2
Recent comparisons of Trump with Nixon have some validity (liar, paranoid, etc.) but Nixon had a great many accomplishments. One of the minor ones was lowering the voting age to 18. Trump has lowered the voting IQ to 18.
1
"Yet, the term is still on the books in Kentucky, Mississippi, New Mexico and Ohio, which officially do not allow “idiots” to vote."
So Kentucky does not allow idiots to vote. So how did mcconnell get elected?
So Kentucky does not allow idiots to vote. So how did mcconnell get elected?
1
Perfect! And after reading this column, I'm even more convinced that we are now living in an "IDIOCRACY" just a few, terrifying steps removed from the movie with that title.
2
"Idiot" doesn't capture it because it misses the malevolence of Trump.
2
Not nitwit? Certainly he fits the literal translation.
2
Con man comes to mind for me
1
While Trump is the superlative idiot, his followers of a large portion of them also deserve the moniker. ...idiotically, they voted for him because:
He would drain the swamp
They just BELIEVED
They are willing to lose benefits just because the "others" will as well
They are angry at the whole system
They wanted someone who knew nothing about how to do the job
They were fooled into thinking that Hilary was the dangerous candidate
They thought that ANY Republican was the better option
It is not turning out well and there are a lot of idiots out there, including one in the oval office.
He would drain the swamp
They just BELIEVED
They are willing to lose benefits just because the "others" will as well
They are angry at the whole system
They wanted someone who knew nothing about how to do the job
They were fooled into thinking that Hilary was the dangerous candidate
They thought that ANY Republican was the better option
It is not turning out well and there are a lot of idiots out there, including one in the oval office.
1
Possibly the most insightful analysis of our Commander in Idiocy written to date.
1
Good column. Too bad "idiot" did not permanently attach itself to Trump in the summer of 2016. "Idiot" should always be a part of the Trump story but the other traits that will always be eligible for the Trump story would probably not be tolerated for publication by the New York Times, so I shall refrain.
The only way out of this nightmare is through careful investigation of the idiotic Trump/Pence team's involvement with the Russians during the election.
Forget the idiotic distractions.
Forget the idiotic distractions.
1
A think piece about Hillary's toxicities would be an appropriate companion piece.
I am glad you clarified the issue, even when using the expression "clear as mud". So, our vulgar bully in chief is a bigoted idiot not knowing what's going on, ignorant of himself and other's concerns, unable to tell lie from truth, fiction from fact, and thievery from an honest deed. And the worst of it, he is irredeemable. An idiot indeed. A touchy question remains however: who but an idiot would dare elect an idiot to the highest office of the land? Can you see some reciprocity here?
"Yet, the term is still on the books in Kentucky, Mississippi, New Mexico and Ohio, which officially do not allow “idiots” to vote."
Shouldn't that have disqualified Trump supporters from voting in those states?
Shouldn't that have disqualified Trump supporters from voting in those states?
Well, at least in New Mexico more people voted for Clinton than for Trump.
Perhaps this is the best evidence yet to overturn the election, because it is clear that plenty of idiots in Kentucky, Mississippi, New Mexico, and Ohio did vote.
"the idiot does not know that privacy and individual autonomy are entirely dependent on the community."
I could not have said it better!
(See also the James Lee comment among the NYT Picks.)
I could not have said it better!
(See also the James Lee comment among the NYT Picks.)
1
Beautifully put and sadly true. An idiot has taken over the swamp and the GOP continues to prostitute itself in service to his idiocy, They need time to keep promises to their corporate masters while the rest of us are distracted by the sheer volume of inappropriateness and even criminality. GOP knives are out and when they are finished the safety net will be in shreds, the environment will be trashed, and the common sense regulations we have agreed to live by for the good will be gone. KA
The dogmatic belief that unfettered business run for the sole benefit of its shareholders no matter what the economic, social and environmental cost to stakeholders makes the GOP a party of idiots.
This idiotic dogma has constrained the GOP in an ideological straitjacket. We need conservatives who are not "idiots" to bring the GOP back to its senses
This idiotic dogma has constrained the GOP in an ideological straitjacket. We need conservatives who are not "idiots" to bring the GOP back to its senses
What happens when idiots decide to form political groups?
They adopt the mantle and beliefs of identity politics.
My group has more important and larger grievances than your group.
Sounds like liberals to me....
And sounds like a road map to nihilism and idiocy.
They adopt the mantle and beliefs of identity politics.
My group has more important and larger grievances than your group.
Sounds like liberals to me....
And sounds like a road map to nihilism and idiocy.
Arrendt was roundly criticized for the unpopular opinion that Eichmann and his Nazi Party colleagues weren't exceptional but were ordinary people like your neighbors whose priorities became dystopian. In other words, if we looked at the the event as some sort of human anomaly instead of a human condition to which we must always be on guard, then we could put it behind us and move on. Trump isn't an idiot, he's an intellectually challenged albeit saavy con man who wakes up every day ready to take advantage of whatever opportunity presents itself. "Idiot" would be a number of steps up.
hmmm..."concerned myopically with private things and unmindful of public things" -- so the Republican agenda truly is the definition of idiotic!
After reading this article I have been given a name for a trend I have seen growing in the US. America is facing an idiocy crisis. Too many of us have lost our understanding of the collective good, and, instead, only advocate for those things that will benefit ourselves. This idiocy lead to an increased tribalism where like minded idiots form small, loud groups pushing for what is best for them without giving thought to the impact on the whole.
Idiots of the world unite you have nothing to lose but your state.
Idiots of the world unite you have nothing to lose but your state.
1
The people who responded to the poll seem to have a good grasp on the meaning of the term "idiot." As to Trump, one of my favorite sayings, from a risk manager - "Just when you think you've made something idiot-proof they invent a better idiot." The Republicans seem to be really good at this. In the case of Trump and the Republicans, the voters who support them might do a little self examination.
Well, here again we are all preaching to the choir. I would love to think that the essence of this article, which is a nice piece of writing, could be somehow transmitted to so many who have only blips, blurbs, nutshells, sound bites and slogans to guide them as they approach the voting booth. We must find a way to transmit this definition of "idiot" to those who never actually read anything or have never learned critical thinking, and responsible decision making. We must reach out beyond our bubbles and teach, teach, teach our citizenry about how to be a good citizen and make good decisions for the coming 2018 mid-terms. And even if we don't agree with those decisions, at least voters will not be voting as idiots but as full partners in democracy.
Language is the codified history of the world, and people who study language gain understanding not only of the world's flood of events, but of the patterns that underlie it. To understand language is to understand something of the human soul, even to understand something of oneself. Then, is it any wonder that our Idiot-in-Chief, while knowing "the best words" and always speaking with "surety" knows nothing about language and seems to care even less?
1
There are legitimate distinctions between "idiot" and "fool" but they share some traits that seem to be both self-reinforcing and destructive. One thing is for sure: an idiot should not be the captain of a ship crewed by fools on which the rest of us are forced to sail.
1
In the last paragraph, replace "idiot" with "Trump" and ask: How does that read?
Perfect. However, if someone voted for HIM, and is STILL cheering him on, they are truly the real idiot. HE can't help himself, it's his nature. The collaborators bear the greatest blame, and shame. Karma, baby.
2
"Humans evolved for the most part by putting community first and the individual second".
If this is true, then our culture is at odds with evolution since it is largely predicated on the opposite.It is our culture, focused on individual self interest, with little attention or concern for the collective good (or community) that made Trump successful in Business and electable as President.The fact that he is an ignorant, petulant child- like man also fits our culture more than other, more adult ones. Yes, he is an idiot, but sadly, a very American one.
If this is true, then our culture is at odds with evolution since it is largely predicated on the opposite.It is our culture, focused on individual self interest, with little attention or concern for the collective good (or community) that made Trump successful in Business and electable as President.The fact that he is an ignorant, petulant child- like man also fits our culture more than other, more adult ones. Yes, he is an idiot, but sadly, a very American one.
You mean Donald Trump is STILL president? Could the 'idiots" be us?
1
This article gives the a history of the word "idiot". Readers already know our president is one. No history lesson needed. If you need therapy to understand what has happened, I'd suggest other articles.
I find it difficult to call Trump an idiot. He showed how phony the other Republicans were and tapped into people's anger at Democrats not creating/bringing back good paying low-tech jobs. Finally, he put out a positive message, based on nothing. Add in some Fox News making Hillary's email a life or death issue and bingo.
"Idiot" is not the word I'd have chosen. Crazy, looney-toons, sociopath, and toxic narcissist seem much more fitting. Perhaps the best word of all is "evil." Donald Trump is missing essential pieces from his psychological makeup. His biographer warned us. There is no other side to Trump. He is totally unable to learn from his mistakes or grow into the job. What you see is what you get and it's not pretty.
Apparently, "idiocy" is the new norm. His followers apparently prefer an idiot and meanwhile bask in their chosen ignorance.
1
So, obviously, the term, "idiot", fits our current president perfectly!
In response to James F Traynor:
"There's nothing 'wrong' with Trump. And getting rid of him won't cure our ills. His values correspond to those of a large, a very large, part of our population."
You are half right. What is "wrong" with Donald Trump is clearly evidenced by his incompetence. Had he any integrity, he would have declined the nomination and found a way to do so with grace and dignity. He could have continued his plan to make real money by selling books and not digging into the real money available in government. His unwillingness to put country before self is what is wrong with him. His exit would help us avoid calamity by his making and ignorance. It will happen. You are right in regard to the large numbers that share his values. We have lost our way and through the grooming by the Republican Party, a good many people have been scammed and brainwashed. The Repubs should be ashamed. The other folks who voted for him because they are sick of the Dems and the Repubs have a large number regretting their decision as indicated by the polls. The SCOTUS allowing big money into our electoral process cemented this disease into it. Those of us who did not vote ET saw him for what he was. I held my nose and voted for stability. He may have done us a favor by bringing this madness into light. I can only hope we can recover and get back to being who we need to be. Ruled by our Constitution and integrity in our leadership. ET needs to go. We may not survive his "idiocy".
"There's nothing 'wrong' with Trump. And getting rid of him won't cure our ills. His values correspond to those of a large, a very large, part of our population."
You are half right. What is "wrong" with Donald Trump is clearly evidenced by his incompetence. Had he any integrity, he would have declined the nomination and found a way to do so with grace and dignity. He could have continued his plan to make real money by selling books and not digging into the real money available in government. His unwillingness to put country before self is what is wrong with him. His exit would help us avoid calamity by his making and ignorance. It will happen. You are right in regard to the large numbers that share his values. We have lost our way and through the grooming by the Republican Party, a good many people have been scammed and brainwashed. The Repubs should be ashamed. The other folks who voted for him because they are sick of the Dems and the Repubs have a large number regretting their decision as indicated by the polls. The SCOTUS allowing big money into our electoral process cemented this disease into it. Those of us who did not vote ET saw him for what he was. I held my nose and voted for stability. He may have done us a favor by bringing this madness into light. I can only hope we can recover and get back to being who we need to be. Ruled by our Constitution and integrity in our leadership. ET needs to go. We may not survive his "idiocy".
1
You defame idiots everywhere by categorizing Trump as one. Alas, many idiots are useful; perhaps this is how the GOP sees him.
The Greek city-state's very existence was dependent upon the involvement of its citizens. However, Athens did not have to contend with the ancient equivalents of Rush Limbaugh, Fox News, Twitter, and Facebook; nor did a large number of its citizens deliberately turn their backs on the science of the day.
Here in the contemporary United States, on the other hand, we have one entire major political party that would like to take us back to a medieval mindset, in which we obey the Church on the one hand, and our liege-lord on the other. And thousands of our citizens this weekend took to the streets to demonstrate against Shari'a Law, by which they feel threatened, even though the threat does not exist.
My country is not just headed by an idiot, it is infested with them.
Here in the contemporary United States, on the other hand, we have one entire major political party that would like to take us back to a medieval mindset, in which we obey the Church on the one hand, and our liege-lord on the other. And thousands of our citizens this weekend took to the streets to demonstrate against Shari'a Law, by which they feel threatened, even though the threat does not exist.
My country is not just headed by an idiot, it is infested with them.
Thanks for the informative piece. I have been tempted to call Mr. Trump an idiot. When I did once my 6 year old granddaughter corrected me. "We don't talk that way about others." I was also aware of the "medical" use of the term and although Mr. Trump's score on an IQ test is likely to be low (perhaps moron). I doubt if it falls as low as 30. "Idiot in the original sense of the term" seems to describe him well.
Kentucky officially does not allow “idiots” to vote? Coulda fooled me.
Trunp is very much the collective consciousness of millions of American idiots. Some of them voted for him, many of them just did not vote. If your country selects a president who had anything to do with a reality television show like "Celebrity Apprentice" you've got big problems. Problems which have been building for decades.
Apparently idiots are allowed to vote in Kentucky. Case in point Mitch McConnell keeps getting reelected.
Very interesting article. Though of course it remains to be determined how an idiot can come into being. He/she is not born that way. Culture and nurture both contribute in such cases, I believe. Regarding trump and other idiots, I suspect many of us have met such individuals, and see the effects of parents and other significant others. Frankly, I suspect also that idiocy is gaining a bigger hold on our and other Western societies. Research this, anyone?
Ayn Rand worshipped at the altar of idiocy.
As so many fellow readers have commented: this article is a mirror and the image reflected is that of a society which has become increasingly self-centered, narcissistic, whose members demand instant gratification, demean communal action, and avoid informed electoral participation, in a word: idiotic.
Bonus:
Was it an idiot, who stated, "every nation gets the government it deserves"?
Bonus:
Was it an idiot, who stated, "every nation gets the government it deserves"?
An excellent piece! And so it would be appropriate and etymologically informed to call Trump the "Idiot-in-Chief?" Or does that imply a social, public dimension that would make that designation oxymoronic?
Interesting piece. It is reassuring to know that at least part of the masses are smart enough to label the con man so aptly.
Of note, Kentucky, Mississippi and Ohio obviously DO allow idiots to vote since they helped elect the IDIOT.
Perhaps these states should take a look at how New Mexico enforces its voting laws since it does a better job of keeping idiots away from the ballot box.
In the future, dictionaries will dd another definition to the word "idiot": an ego-manical, Trump-like political figure who, with wanton recklessness, cons the masses and himself.
Of note, Kentucky, Mississippi and Ohio obviously DO allow idiots to vote since they helped elect the IDIOT.
Perhaps these states should take a look at how New Mexico enforces its voting laws since it does a better job of keeping idiots away from the ballot box.
In the future, dictionaries will dd another definition to the word "idiot": an ego-manical, Trump-like political figure who, with wanton recklessness, cons the masses and himself.
1
I am struck by the fact that so many people voted for an "idiot". Dare I ask how to characterize those voters? Disconnected from the Global Economy ? Or something else?
The thing missing here is the volition component - the act of willful ignorance. Knowledge is readily available to Mr. Trump; he chooses again and again to disregard it, preferring his own concoction of personal reality blown up to world-wide proportions. The classic idiot as described here is removed from community concerns. Trump strives, not to be removed, but to replace these concerns with his own. In this, he may be unique in his idiocy.
If state laws in Kentucky, Mississippi, New Mexico, and Ohio prohibit idiots from voting it is clear that such laws were not enforced during the 2016 presidential election.
"Kentucky, Mississippi, New Mexico and Ohio, ... officially do not allow “idiots” to vote."
It would appear that some of that oft-discussed "voter fraud" has been identified in the article. These states "officially" do not allow idiots to vote, yet the idiots carried the day in Kentucky, Mississippi,and Ohio. I trust that Dear Leader will immediately appoint an investigatory committee to look into the travesty of voter fraud in these 3 states.
It would appear that some of that oft-discussed "voter fraud" has been identified in the article. These states "officially" do not allow idiots to vote, yet the idiots carried the day in Kentucky, Mississippi,and Ohio. I trust that Dear Leader will immediately appoint an investigatory committee to look into the travesty of voter fraud in these 3 states.
Idiots by law can not vote in Kentucky, Mississippi, New Mexico and Ohio.
Should there not be a law in the supposed greatest nation in the world that idiots are not allowed to run for any office - including dog catcher - especially the highest one of the land?
Should there not be a law in the supposed greatest nation in the world that idiots are not allowed to run for any office - including dog catcher - especially the highest one of the land?
1
I'm sorry, but Trump is a mere imbecile. Idiot is a more apt description of the GOP representative that follows him.
Please don't insult idiots or three-year-olds.
Apparently the law preventing idiots from voting is not enforced
1
It would seem the author of this opinion satisfies a number of the idiot attributes he describes.
If Kentucky, Mississippi, New Mexico and Ohio do not allow idiots to vote, Why then did they allow the entire electorate of there states to vote?
48.2% of New Mexico's vote went to Clinton, 40% to Trump. Just sayin'.
I guess for the same reason that Orange County allows *their* idiots to vote?
1
As idiotic as Donald Trump may seem to be, he was able to win a whole series of primary elections and eventually win the general election.
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Trump is still popular with millions of his supports, even has he speaks and acts in foolish and dishonest ways,on a daily basis.
There must be something that Democrats can learn from Trump about how to run campaigns and about the power of NO.
Laugh all you want, but also ask what we can learn from an idiotic leader.
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Trump is still popular with millions of his supports, even has he speaks and acts in foolish and dishonest ways,on a daily basis.
There must be something that Democrats can learn from Trump about how to run campaigns and about the power of NO.
Laugh all you want, but also ask what we can learn from an idiotic leader.
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1
This really says a whole lot more about our country and Americans as a people than it does about Donald Trump. We elected someone who has no concern for anyone other than himself, who conflates and confuses his personal interests with those of our country. The thing is that we knew this long before he became president through a combination of a terrible misreading of voters by the Democrats and the machinations of his good buddies in the Kremlin. We elected him despite that, despite his fowl language, despite his open narcissism, despite his failures to adhere to common norms of civility, and despite his transparent mendacity.
We did this to ourselves and the real idiots in the room are the American voters...particularly those in the states where his policies are going to hammer the people who supported him the most. If you ask the voters in Kentucky, West Virginia, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Oklahoma to look at the most idiotic Americans you had best provide them with mirrors.
We did this to ourselves and the real idiots in the room are the American voters...particularly those in the states where his policies are going to hammer the people who supported him the most. If you ask the voters in Kentucky, West Virginia, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Oklahoma to look at the most idiotic Americans you had best provide them with mirrors.
1
The German gene.
I applaud any article that invokes our country's deep embrace of eugenics to illustrate a point. It was this embrace that left the Nazis flabbergasted at Nuremberg, who didn't second guess that the Americans, who largely invented the movement and whose government itself upheld its enactment (e.g., Buck v. Bell) would surely support their endeavors and marvel at its efficient implements. Google American euthanasia and sterilization programs, note the North Carolina Eugenics board forcibly sterilized black women well after WWII and wasn't disbanded until the 1970s, supported by the Supreme Court. Which brings me back to the "German gene" - this president boasts of it loudly and of its attributes. He's made eyebrow raising comments in regards to genetics. This idiot isn't just a ticking timb bomb, he's a ticking hydrogen bomb and the analogies to fascism are freightening.
I applaud any article that invokes our country's deep embrace of eugenics to illustrate a point. It was this embrace that left the Nazis flabbergasted at Nuremberg, who didn't second guess that the Americans, who largely invented the movement and whose government itself upheld its enactment (e.g., Buck v. Bell) would surely support their endeavors and marvel at its efficient implements. Google American euthanasia and sterilization programs, note the North Carolina Eugenics board forcibly sterilized black women well after WWII and wasn't disbanded until the 1970s, supported by the Supreme Court. Which brings me back to the "German gene" - this president boasts of it loudly and of its attributes. He's made eyebrow raising comments in regards to genetics. This idiot isn't just a ticking timb bomb, he's a ticking hydrogen bomb and the analogies to fascism are freightening.
1
Taken a step further, due to our greater understanding of human psychopathy, Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is the perfect description of the original meaning of "idiot".
Self indulgent and demanding of attention and admiration, our Narcissist in Chief displays all the classic symptoms and holds us in his thrall, meaning bondage or servitude.
The most effective way to deal with a narcissist is to remove yourself from his/her presence. Since that is not possible in this instance, we must remove him from ours through impeachment.
Self indulgent and demanding of attention and admiration, our Narcissist in Chief displays all the classic symptoms and holds us in his thrall, meaning bondage or servitude.
The most effective way to deal with a narcissist is to remove yourself from his/her presence. Since that is not possible in this instance, we must remove him from ours through impeachment.
Missing in the description of the word "idiot", as it pertains to Donald Trump, are the qualities of "greed", "indecency", and "dishonesty". While these might not be included in the classical definition of an idiot, they certainly do define Trump, and many of those he has chosen to assist in the destruction of our liberal democracy.
Question for the article's author: How is an "idiot" different from a "sociopath"?
Excellent!! A great start to a much needed level of discourse. For far too long our countries governance has been driven and shaped by a cadre of idiots. Can it change? Perhaps. Will it change? I hope so!!!
"The idiot speaks only in idioms, though these function for him not as colorful additions to a language or culture, but are understood by him alone. To members of the community, his utterances are the babblings of a baby or a madman, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing."
Hmm, does the word covfefe spring to mind as you read the above explanation?
Hmm, does the word covfefe spring to mind as you read the above explanation?
2
The piece's concluding sentences could just as well be describing the political party to which Trump belongs: "The idiot, by way of his actions, can destroy the social body. Eventually, the idiot destroys himself, but in so doing, potentially annihilates everyone along with him. He is a ticking time bomb in the middle of the public square." These leaders are responsible for creating the circumstances that made a Trump presidency possible. In pursuing power by any means, they are also pursing their own selfish, and short-sighted ends at the expense of the greater good, especially when it comes to facing the existential threat of climate change.
In the not-too-distant future when asked what word immediately comes to mind when respondents hear the word 'idiot' undoubtedly the response will be TRUMP!
What should be done with someone who is, in reality, a bumbling suicide bomber in the town square about to take everyone on earth with him ?
Before he pulls the pin, a new word has started settling in place to describe the ultimate world idiot.
A "Trump"
Before he pulls the pin, a new word has started settling in place to describe the ultimate world idiot.
A "Trump"
Trump strikes me as a privileged kid who was so driven to succeed that he failed to see or understand anyone outside of his circle. I think this is reflected in his lack of understanding or any empathy to those of a different race, religion, or culture. Just look at the comments he's made about blacks and muslims for a few examples.
His drive has always been about his image, his show of strength, his status. He sizes everything up in terms of how it can serve him personally. He hasn't had time to understand others.
btw, I think most of the derivations of the word idiot in this article describe him aptly.
His drive has always been about his image, his show of strength, his status. He sizes everything up in terms of how it can serve him personally. He hasn't had time to understand others.
btw, I think most of the derivations of the word idiot in this article describe him aptly.
Only in America can an idiot become a President.
Truly, we are great.
Truly, we are great.
So "the term is still on the books in Kentucky, Mississippi, New Mexico and Ohio, which officially do not allow “idiots” to vote." Well they may not allow idiots to vote, but had no problem voting for an idiot!
Results in New Mexico: 48.2% for Clinton, 40% for Trump.
Trump is the Village Idiot, writ large!
Wow! If Ohio adhered to its no-votes-for-idiots rule, Hilary Clinton would have won the state by a spectacular landslide.
1
Kentucky, Mississippi, and Ohio may not allow idiots to vote, but they sure helped put on in the White House. Maybe they should expand their electorate.
Perhaps more important than the meaning of idiot, in the case of President Holster Mouth, is the mean-ness of idiots.
Holster Mouth may be an idiot. But consciously or subconsciously, Holster Mouth seems to be able to sense who the non-idiots are. And Holster Mouth's favorite, or least favorite, more accurately, non-idiot, his literal bête noir, is President Obama. Idiots have one great competency: They can destroy. And so, in the face of President Obama's take-down of Holster Mouth at the White House Correspondent's dinner, in the face of the laughter and derision of 3,000 of exactly the kind of people Holster Mouth wants to admire, fear and respect him, Holster Mouth, for once in his life, had to sit there and take it. And so what better payback could Holster Mouth deliver to Obama, to that whole room, to all of us, than to destroy. Destroy Obama's legacy. Destroy healthcare. Destroy the Iran deal. Destroy the Cuba deal. Destroy healthcare. Destroy the economic recovery. Destroy everything he can destroy.
And why do you think Republicans cheer on Holster Mouth? Is it because his greatest competence is their greatest competence? Misanthropy, envious hatred, loves company.
Holster Mouth may be an idiot. But consciously or subconsciously, Holster Mouth seems to be able to sense who the non-idiots are. And Holster Mouth's favorite, or least favorite, more accurately, non-idiot, his literal bête noir, is President Obama. Idiots have one great competency: They can destroy. And so, in the face of President Obama's take-down of Holster Mouth at the White House Correspondent's dinner, in the face of the laughter and derision of 3,000 of exactly the kind of people Holster Mouth wants to admire, fear and respect him, Holster Mouth, for once in his life, had to sit there and take it. And so what better payback could Holster Mouth deliver to Obama, to that whole room, to all of us, than to destroy. Destroy Obama's legacy. Destroy healthcare. Destroy the Iran deal. Destroy the Cuba deal. Destroy healthcare. Destroy the economic recovery. Destroy everything he can destroy.
And why do you think Republicans cheer on Holster Mouth? Is it because his greatest competence is their greatest competence? Misanthropy, envious hatred, loves company.
Alas we have a term we can all agree: the manchild tweeting in the White House is indeed an idiot.
1
Kentucky, Mississippi, New Mexico and Ohio might not allow idiots to vote but they've sure elected quite a few to office.
Dear Professor Anthamatten,
Wonderfully, delectably wrought, but for one thing - we are now a nation comprised mostly of idiots, hoist, therefore, by our own petard, thrusting into office the emperor of imbecility as we ignore our collective ignorance, our willful idiocy, and our relentless solipsistic self-obsession.
Most of us would sooner self-immolate than put down our smart phones, walk away from the buffet table, or cut up our credit cards. So stop with the Trump-bashing and start with the self-trashing.
It's loooooong overdue.
Cordially,
S.A. Traina
Wonderfully, delectably wrought, but for one thing - we are now a nation comprised mostly of idiots, hoist, therefore, by our own petard, thrusting into office the emperor of imbecility as we ignore our collective ignorance, our willful idiocy, and our relentless solipsistic self-obsession.
Most of us would sooner self-immolate than put down our smart phones, walk away from the buffet table, or cut up our credit cards. So stop with the Trump-bashing and start with the self-trashing.
It's loooooong overdue.
Cordially,
S.A. Traina
The idiots are the people whether they voted or not that still think this is or ever was a democracy, really Trump or Hillary, really?
The idiots are those people who are so full of themselves never to subject themselves, not their life, not their thoughts to examination.
The idiots are those people who are so full of themselves never to subject themselves, not their life, not their thoughts to examination.
The term idiotic describes the external appearance, the behavior. The term narcissistic describes the internal condition, the personality, that generates the behavior. Both involve the actor's choice. Both are toxic. Were he only a modern idiot, a man of low intelligence, we would be much better off.
Kind of clarifies why television was once referred to as the "Idiot box".
If Kentucky, Mississippi, Ohio, (and New Mexico) don't allow idiots to vote, how come Donald Trump won all 3?
Remember also that, for Shakespeare, the speech of an idiot is "full of sound and fury, signifying nothing."
Great article. But, the authors will need to add a synonym for idiot, i.e. Donald. Sad but true.
The imagery in the last sentence is well chosen: it links the objectives and effects of the terrorist, against whom we stand, with the impact of electing an idiot. Both are bomb blasts in the public square but in the latter case the square is a metaphor for the whole country. We have become our own enemy by voting for our destruction.
Narcissism, egotism, selfishness... are these personality disorders or aspects of modern personal success?
Is Donald Trump an idiot or the reflection of our self centered television convenience educated society?
Or... is self love just the logical outgrowth of our patriarchal human species culture?
Stay tuned next week for the conclusion to this thrilling ten part series.
Is Donald Trump an idiot or the reflection of our self centered television convenience educated society?
Or... is self love just the logical outgrowth of our patriarchal human species culture?
Stay tuned next week for the conclusion to this thrilling ten part series.
Truth be told, not only can he be undeniably labeled and identified as an idiot but, he is a lunatic. In the end, what will be the most disappointing of all is that of all the unlawful schemes in which he has been instrumental and was subsequently let off the hook, he will once again be found guilty as charged; however, being the lunatic he will not face the consequences. Why? Because by definition a lunatic is "a person legally declared to be of unsound mind and who therefore is not held capable or responsible before the law".
If I understand this, an idiot is a perfect person for a capitalist society. Come to think about this, a libertarian is also an idiot as he does not understand that a community needs some kind of functioning order - like a government.
An idiot is the perfect member of the Trump cohorts.
It is a wonder the USA is still existing.
An idiot is the perfect member of the Trump cohorts.
It is a wonder the USA is still existing.
If the shoe fits ...
The utter lack of interest in public service or civic engagement by the Trump family is worse than the greed, ignorance, pettiness, and laziness on display every day. Even fundraisers and "charitable" foundations are vehicles to pump money into their pockets. Only idiots would tolerate it from their public "servants."
1
As a an average idiot, I resent being put in the same company as Donald Trump.
So some states do not allow idiots to vote, but the United States allows an idiot to become president. Well, the idiots voted anyway.
"The idiot does not understand this, and thus does not understand how he came to be, how he is sustained and how he is part of a larger ecology".
A perfect description of Republicans in general.
A perfect description of Republicans in general.
Wow, just wow. There are states where idiots cannot vote, but in all states idiots are apparently allowed to run for office. Blows the mind, doesn't it?
Thank you professor Anthamatten for enlightening us about the term "idiot" and how it applies to Donald J. Trump. Trump is an idiot in the contemporary usage of the word, but also, and more accurately, in terms of the words original meaning and import.
Trump "is a ticking time bomb in the middle of the public square," should shake Americans in their shoes. But, alas, we have people known as Republicans; in other words, Trump supporters. They are shaking with glee. What term describes the cackling clucks who comprise this group?
Trump "is a ticking time bomb in the middle of the public square," should shake Americans in their shoes. But, alas, we have people known as Republicans; in other words, Trump supporters. They are shaking with glee. What term describes the cackling clucks who comprise this group?
Since this article was written with Trump in mind - ascribing him as "a prepubescent, parasitic solipsist" notwithstanding, the fact remains that he was elected.
Since he was elected, those voters obviously saw themselves in Trump and aligned with him accordingly.
Since Trump has now been certified as the title suggests, is it not that those Trump supporters can be certified in like manner???
Since he was elected, those voters obviously saw themselves in Trump and aligned with him accordingly.
Since Trump has now been certified as the title suggests, is it not that those Trump supporters can be certified in like manner???
It's good to put a face with the your lesson.
He is NOT an idiot. He knows his way around a scam. He's not to be taken seriously regarding public policy or foreign relations, but he's to be taken VERY seriously regarding corrupt practice.
He's not an idiot. He's a sociopath with immense power. That's so much worse.
He's not an idiot. He's a sociopath with immense power. That's so much worse.
9
You didn't actually read this piece, right? If you did the author is using the older definition of 'idiot', which has nothing to do with intelligence. Trump is very clver, but he is self centered to the point of true idiocy. Re read article.
He's an idiot in one sense, but you're exactly right. He's also a pathological liar. He and his crew are masters of disaster. Naomi Klein's new book, No Is Not Enough, comes out on Wed. The reviews are very good.
Next to "idiot" in the dictionary is Trump's picture.
2
If idiots do not understand the importance of community and Rosseau's Social Contract, then almost half of American voters must be idiots........
5
and your point is?
So Ayn Rand and John Galt and a few like-minded Individualists head to their enclave in the mountains as Collectivist society implodes and collapses. And then do what, exactly? With what labor force? How can they maintain or recreate the advanced multiplex tech civilization that drives human development at the fastest pace in history? Don't believe that about fast pace? Google it on your i-Phone while you wait for your Lasik surgery and your last flush decomposes at the sewage treatment plant.
Sorry, Rand fans, but a few brilliant Robinson Crusoes with piles of gold cannot replace millions of man/woman years of human effort since 1800 that help us eat cornflakes and OJ, then drive to the mall. Leonardo had no tech support for his ideas. Tom Edison said his greatest invention was the Research Center, where good ideas could be quickly converted to mass products through collective effort. Today China shows the power of collective labor/management production while India produces masses of skilled tech workers.
The world is converting to renewable energy at a pace considered impossible 20 years ago. not because of John Galt or Elon Musk, but because the community is recognizing that we must protect the world and each other from each other, from our idiots.
Sorry, Rand fans, but a few brilliant Robinson Crusoes with piles of gold cannot replace millions of man/woman years of human effort since 1800 that help us eat cornflakes and OJ, then drive to the mall. Leonardo had no tech support for his ideas. Tom Edison said his greatest invention was the Research Center, where good ideas could be quickly converted to mass products through collective effort. Today China shows the power of collective labor/management production while India produces masses of skilled tech workers.
The world is converting to renewable energy at a pace considered impossible 20 years ago. not because of John Galt or Elon Musk, but because the community is recognizing that we must protect the world and each other from each other, from our idiots.
3
A leader, a strong individual is also a member of our society. In many ways we struggle with that balance. We want diversity and to be a valued individual, and yet to have a sense of belonging, membership. We forget, webover value one over the other...it's both. We do need a "Bill of Responsibilities" to blend what is required of us as adult citizens along with of Bill of a Rights. The founders would have suggested this was implicit but maybe no more. The man elected President doesn't seem to have values that reflect either his membership in culture of responsibilities nor a sense of membership within the boarder community as he's another version...above it all...rules are for pions. To use the term idiot, related to something genetic or innate, seems unfair. In his case it's a choice, a right to be stupid...and this is not free speech. We all have the responsibility to call out the fridge, the non-members, the idiots...for what they are. They are a danger.
"...the idiot does not know that privacy and individual autonomy are entirely dependent on the community."
The great weakness of the ancient Greeks was the narrowness of their idea of society. They were divided slave vs. free and city-state vs. city-state. The United States was almost destroyed by people who placed their loyalty to their state above their loyalty to their country.
Trump "atomizes" us by appealing to racial, religious, and cultural differences to gain power. He seeks to break alliances – NATO – and places us firmly on one side of the Sunni vs. Shiite conflict, sabotaging his own Secretary of State's efforts to maintain alliances. He applauds the separation of Britain from the EU. He talks about Pittsburgh vs. Paris as though we do not share the same atmosphere and oceans. He would destroy the social safety net, such as it is, and leave each individual to fend for himself as best he can.
His ideal world is a war of all against all.
He would make us idiots.
The great weakness of the ancient Greeks was the narrowness of their idea of society. They were divided slave vs. free and city-state vs. city-state. The United States was almost destroyed by people who placed their loyalty to their state above their loyalty to their country.
Trump "atomizes" us by appealing to racial, religious, and cultural differences to gain power. He seeks to break alliances – NATO – and places us firmly on one side of the Sunni vs. Shiite conflict, sabotaging his own Secretary of State's efforts to maintain alliances. He applauds the separation of Britain from the EU. He talks about Pittsburgh vs. Paris as though we do not share the same atmosphere and oceans. He would destroy the social safety net, such as it is, and leave each individual to fend for himself as best he can.
His ideal world is a war of all against all.
He would make us idiots.
1
I am an idiot of modern society.
A layperson without professional skill. A parasite sucking the lifeblood of the social body. A withdrawn, isolated and selfish person. Something of a prepubescent, parasitic solipsist who talks to only himself. And how I came to be this way is probably because I could never really lose myself in anything, apply myself to anything for long without either seeing it as trivial (such as applying myself to a sport or other game) or as something limited, something which traps you in a particular case (such as a profession taking up all of your time).
Of course it could be I am entirely stupid, incapable of grasping anything in life to be able to succeed in it,--I lack a fundamental store of intelligence to succeed in other words--but I certainly feel discouraged by society in trying to get a wider picture of the society and world I live in. I feel especially discouraged in understanding politics and economics, sources, roots and applications of power, method of running an advanced and modern nation.
I may be an idiot, lack intelligence, but it seems to me society offers little help in making a person anything much beyond an idiot. In fact society, power, appears to ask you be little above an idiot--just slot into a narrow profession, small and useful place in society, and forget about the big picture, especially comprehending power. Reading about physics, math, philosophy, literature seems more clear than politics and power in society today.
A layperson without professional skill. A parasite sucking the lifeblood of the social body. A withdrawn, isolated and selfish person. Something of a prepubescent, parasitic solipsist who talks to only himself. And how I came to be this way is probably because I could never really lose myself in anything, apply myself to anything for long without either seeing it as trivial (such as applying myself to a sport or other game) or as something limited, something which traps you in a particular case (such as a profession taking up all of your time).
Of course it could be I am entirely stupid, incapable of grasping anything in life to be able to succeed in it,--I lack a fundamental store of intelligence to succeed in other words--but I certainly feel discouraged by society in trying to get a wider picture of the society and world I live in. I feel especially discouraged in understanding politics and economics, sources, roots and applications of power, method of running an advanced and modern nation.
I may be an idiot, lack intelligence, but it seems to me society offers little help in making a person anything much beyond an idiot. In fact society, power, appears to ask you be little above an idiot--just slot into a narrow profession, small and useful place in society, and forget about the big picture, especially comprehending power. Reading about physics, math, philosophy, literature seems more clear than politics and power in society today.
"What word immediately came to mind..." I kept hearing JACKANAPES! What did that mean - some sort of ape? Actually some weird guy in English history named Jack Napes. Came to describe "an impertinent person - conceited - insolent - presumptuous fellow!" Hey - Trump could fall in that category. Fits for me - "so what is up with our Jackanapes today?"
1
An idiot with an ego on the precipice, careening, shouting over his shoulder, trust me, I alone........and the bus, full of his enablers, the politicians, are screaming, but there is no noise.
1
The relevance of this piercing essay is all too sadly clear. (Presumably, Delta Airlines and Bank of America will now condemn it.) But it is worth noting how precisely this description of "idiots" - "'concerned myopically with private things and unmindful of common things . . . like a rudderless ship, without consequence save for the danger it posed to others' . . . a threat to the city-state, to public life, and to the bonds that make communication and community possible" - applies to libertarians and their self-centered philosophy of moral indifference. For the same reasons it applies to the "small government" barbarians who are hell-bent on destroying the community that makes American life - and, for many Americans, life at all - possible.
Right-wing greed and selfishness are sociopathic; they are destructive of community, and delusional regarding the independence of the self-aggrandizing heroes who will go to any lengths to deny that they "didn't build that," as President Obama rightly noted in his much-derided call for the recognition of our commonality. They are idiotic.
Right-wing greed and selfishness are sociopathic; they are destructive of community, and delusional regarding the independence of the self-aggrandizing heroes who will go to any lengths to deny that they "didn't build that," as President Obama rightly noted in his much-derided call for the recognition of our commonality. They are idiotic.
2
And yet support for efforts to strengthen community will brand one as a "communist'" most likely from someone who can't tell the difference between a communist and a fascist. We are lost in a semantic tangle of catch-words that fuel emotions rather than reason. "Reason" -- it was nice while we had it. I wonder if home-schooled "Christians" have ever pondered the concept.
There's no defense against idiots who embrace idiocy (even though they may not be insightful enough to know what they're doing). But the country isn't divided into just two camps, "idiots" and "polites." There are large groups in between these, many of whom thought they were acting responsibly when they voted for the idiot. They need to see more clearly that his (idiotic) interests are not their interests and to understand that when he acts he is not acting for the community good. We don't need to speak truth to power because power isn't listening because power is an idiot. We need to speak truth to everyone else, the people who all together share this country.
3
Imbecile.
2
You give him too much credit.
In other words, Trump is an idiot in every sense of the term.
2
Interesting opinion piece by the esteemed professorial Mr. Anthamatten.
Here's another line of thought.
Calling Trump an idiot is an insult to idiots.
Calling Trump a moron is an insult to morons.
Calling Trump deranged is an insult to the deranged.
Calling Trump demented is an insult to the demented.
Calling Trump a con artist is an insult to con artists.
Calling Trump a pathological liar is an insult to pathological liars.
Calling Trump a man baby is an insult to man babys.
Oh well..... I could go on and on but it's time to get to work.
You get my drift though......
And so it goes.
Here's another line of thought.
Calling Trump an idiot is an insult to idiots.
Calling Trump a moron is an insult to morons.
Calling Trump deranged is an insult to the deranged.
Calling Trump demented is an insult to the demented.
Calling Trump a con artist is an insult to con artists.
Calling Trump a pathological liar is an insult to pathological liars.
Calling Trump a man baby is an insult to man babys.
Oh well..... I could go on and on but it's time to get to work.
You get my drift though......
And so it goes.
2
"The idiot contributed nothing to public life or the common good. His existence depended on the skill and labor of others; he was a leech sucking the lifeblood from the social body."
Oh, now I understand. He was a politician!
Oh, now I understand. He was a politician!
1
So, by this definition, we could also think of the one percenters as idiots but I wonder how many people in our society think of them like that. As much as we rail against them, we are a culture that admires and aspires to wealth. Wealth, once achieved does not, despite protestations from right wing ideologues, trickle down to support the common good as far as I can tell.
But the definition is apt on so many levels. The ultra rich seem to be incapable of understanding that they cannot continue to suck the lifeblood out of the source of their wealth without destroying themselves in the process. How idiotic is that? And yet, the reasons we think Trump is an idiot have nothing to do with his parasitic accumulation of wealth.
So lets be fair. Its not only the lowlife Trump supporters we can gleefully call idiots, it's also those right at the top of the food chain. Really really rich idiots. I still don't think people are ready for that idea. Rich people are really really smart. Their wealth is proof of that. I beg to differ.
But the definition is apt on so many levels. The ultra rich seem to be incapable of understanding that they cannot continue to suck the lifeblood out of the source of their wealth without destroying themselves in the process. How idiotic is that? And yet, the reasons we think Trump is an idiot have nothing to do with his parasitic accumulation of wealth.
So lets be fair. Its not only the lowlife Trump supporters we can gleefully call idiots, it's also those right at the top of the food chain. Really really rich idiots. I still don't think people are ready for that idea. Rich people are really really smart. Their wealth is proof of that. I beg to differ.
2
the French word for colloquial or proverbial expressions is "idiotismes." Presumably these refer to commonplaces beyond which the "idiot," defined more socially than intellectually, cannot think. Trump creates his own idiotisms beyond which he cannot think, like "Believe me," or "Sad!"
At first glance, the "GraphicaArtis/GettyImages" head appeared to portray a uterus with adjoining Fallopian tubes. The portrait encased in metal gear symbolizing a ticking time bomb for the future. Definitely, (in my interpretation) not an omen for the common good.
Dostoyevsky's "The Idiot" understood what emulates from the heart, not the full sound and fury of utterances signifying nothing.
Dostoyevsky's "The Idiot" understood what emulates from the heart, not the full sound and fury of utterances signifying nothing.
2
Idiot is, as idiot does. Some idiots are benign. It's the malicious, cruel, and self-centered ones that destroy us.
1
What an article! Spooky is the comparison ' He (the idiot) is a ticking time bomb in the middle of the public square'.
The Three Stooges often used the words idiot, imbecile and moron. An idiot being the lowest functioning person, an imbecile the highest. Mr. Trump would have to hit the books for years, to one day be considered an imbecile.
“In ancient Greek society, an idiotes was a layperson who lacked professional skills. The idiot contributed nothing to public life or the common good. His existence depended on the skill and labor of others; he was a leech sucking the lifeblood from the social body.”
The first of these sentences is certainly true. The second and third: not so much. Yes, an idiotes was a layperson who lacked the technical skills of (say) a poet or a doctor (which is not to say that an idiotes had no skills at all or “contributed nothing to public life”). In political contexts, an idiotes was a private citizen as opposed to a government official - a king or leader (archon) or general, or, more broadly, those who had been groomed (or groomed themselves) for success in the political domain.
Your account of ancient idiotai is, in short, a tad too derogatory (that came later). But the Greek meaning of the term is damning enough for Trump. Political office requires know-how — an understanding of how governing works and the knowledge of how to get things done in the politics, as well as the commitment and discipline to acquire that understanding and know-how. Without those things — knowledge, understanding, discipline and commitment — you have the incompetence, the amateurishness, the unfitness for office of an idiot. Or a Trump.
The first of these sentences is certainly true. The second and third: not so much. Yes, an idiotes was a layperson who lacked the technical skills of (say) a poet or a doctor (which is not to say that an idiotes had no skills at all or “contributed nothing to public life”). In political contexts, an idiotes was a private citizen as opposed to a government official - a king or leader (archon) or general, or, more broadly, those who had been groomed (or groomed themselves) for success in the political domain.
Your account of ancient idiotai is, in short, a tad too derogatory (that came later). But the Greek meaning of the term is damning enough for Trump. Political office requires know-how — an understanding of how governing works and the knowledge of how to get things done in the politics, as well as the commitment and discipline to acquire that understanding and know-how. Without those things — knowledge, understanding, discipline and commitment — you have the incompetence, the amateurishness, the unfitness for office of an idiot. Or a Trump.
Idiot and Trump, perfect together
He is an idiot, alright, but also a sociopath.
Trump as idiot. Why so generous?
What I am concerned about is not which definition of the word to apply to Mr. Trump, but how to get our country through to the other end of a very long tunnel. Name-calling was part of how we got into this mess, and to hell with the Greek roots, just keep a lid on it, philosophers included.
OK - you have convinced me Trump is an idiot. Bigly.
Apparently no matter how you define it, Trump is an idiot.
There are many words other than idiot that flow from my mind and lips when I think of Trump, like bully, imposter, jerk (or other unprintable words) liar, buffoon, and schmuck. I would say imposter is most damaging. Every time I see or hear Trump he is lying, insulting, or self promoting to mask his incompetence and inexperience. It's like Alec Baldwin saying in a commercial that he could fly a plane because he played a pilot once in movie. The idiots are the ones who trust or believe what he's saying or doing.
This is a totally IDIOTIC piece.
We purposefully voted for Donald, an ex-jock from Queens who survived and won on the brutal NY real estate battleground, and whose massive confidence level from these victories gave him much of his bombast.
But I, like 60-70 million+ others who are more devoted to him than ever (we don't care of listen to your labels, BTW), WANTED a direct-talking New York "bully" as you call him, because we knew that only THAT personality could smash holes in the Obama Hell we so deeply detested.
I voted for Obama, who pulled the wool over many eyes and went from his clever "centrist Barry" mode to "Sol Alinsky" within a matter of months after his inauguration. People like me were shoved aside. Our views on tradition were mocked and ridiculed and spit on. Despite having voted for him, we lost our jobs, went on food stamps with shame. For 8 painful years he told us our parents were stupid, our values were yesterday.
Trump spoke to us directly, in our language, to our hearts, by Twitter or in person over the NY Times or MSNBC. His tweets were never for journalists or the intelligentsia. They were for us. Dishwashers. Mechanics. Farmers. He left his wealthy celebrity life to make your arrows for us.
He gave a damn. You didn't.
At this time we are 60-70 million strong. Your severed heads and bloody Shakespeare plays etc. coupled w/ a Democrat party that drops F bombs in front of school kids, brings us millions more monthly.
We are here, like before Nov 8, under your Dem Gestapo radar.
But I, like 60-70 million+ others who are more devoted to him than ever (we don't care of listen to your labels, BTW), WANTED a direct-talking New York "bully" as you call him, because we knew that only THAT personality could smash holes in the Obama Hell we so deeply detested.
I voted for Obama, who pulled the wool over many eyes and went from his clever "centrist Barry" mode to "Sol Alinsky" within a matter of months after his inauguration. People like me were shoved aside. Our views on tradition were mocked and ridiculed and spit on. Despite having voted for him, we lost our jobs, went on food stamps with shame. For 8 painful years he told us our parents were stupid, our values were yesterday.
Trump spoke to us directly, in our language, to our hearts, by Twitter or in person over the NY Times or MSNBC. His tweets were never for journalists or the intelligentsia. They were for us. Dishwashers. Mechanics. Farmers. He left his wealthy celebrity life to make your arrows for us.
He gave a damn. You didn't.
At this time we are 60-70 million strong. Your severed heads and bloody Shakespeare plays etc. coupled w/ a Democrat party that drops F bombs in front of school kids, brings us millions more monthly.
We are here, like before Nov 8, under your Dem Gestapo radar.
1
We saw Trump win because voters either voted on single issues (abortion, coal, health care reform, etc) or didn't vote at all. Self before community. "Christians" voted for a sexual predator. Americans struggling financially voted for a billionaire who has bilked the average guy. Women voted for someone who agreed with Howard Stern in a radio interview that his own daughter was a "nice piece of a**". Racists saw him as a friend to their poisonous hate.
We elected a narcissist who only thinks of himself because we are a country that has the same qualities. What has become evident and is the most troubling about the ascension of Trump is that he is a reflection of our society. Trump himself said that he could "shoot someone on 5th Avenue and not lose any voters." Sadly, he was right. His base (and Congress it seems) will absolve him for their personal agenda, no matter what the facts are.
We elected a narcissist who only thinks of himself because we are a country that has the same qualities. What has become evident and is the most troubling about the ascension of Trump is that he is a reflection of our society. Trump himself said that he could "shoot someone on 5th Avenue and not lose any voters." Sadly, he was right. His base (and Congress it seems) will absolve him for their personal agenda, no matter what the facts are.
I've tried and I've tried,
but in vain,
to figure out Donald Trump's brain --
Delusional? Yes,
but mainly I guess
the guy is just bat-crap insane.
but in vain,
to figure out Donald Trump's brain --
Delusional? Yes,
but mainly I guess
the guy is just bat-crap insane.
1
there are more concise ways of putting it: the head is only 3 feet from the asshole.
Excellent informative article.
I would add one thing to the list, because I think it is profoundly important at every age, and is disappearing from vast swathes of our public conversation.
Curiosity. Trump is so busy affirming his fool's gold self-image he lacks the ability to see any other measure of success than taking advantage of other people and looking for tricks to deceive his victims (the entire US population, and humanity abroad as well).
In the context of climate, I have to ask why unskeptical "skeptics" are not curious as to the science and evidence they reject.
Why don't people want to know about world news? The evidence that our climate is changing in a dangerous way is all around us. A complete lack of curiosity, the mark of our politics - and, unfortunately, our clickbait news, even here at the NYT - is dangerous.
Teach your children well. Teach them to ask questions and look at evidence. They need curiosity, not just to find "proof" of what they want to be true, but loopholes in that and opening to information elsewhere.
I would add one thing to the list, because I think it is profoundly important at every age, and is disappearing from vast swathes of our public conversation.
Curiosity. Trump is so busy affirming his fool's gold self-image he lacks the ability to see any other measure of success than taking advantage of other people and looking for tricks to deceive his victims (the entire US population, and humanity abroad as well).
In the context of climate, I have to ask why unskeptical "skeptics" are not curious as to the science and evidence they reject.
Why don't people want to know about world news? The evidence that our climate is changing in a dangerous way is all around us. A complete lack of curiosity, the mark of our politics - and, unfortunately, our clickbait news, even here at the NYT - is dangerous.
Teach your children well. Teach them to ask questions and look at evidence. They need curiosity, not just to find "proof" of what they want to be true, but loopholes in that and opening to information elsewhere.
9
"Humans evolved for the most part by putting community first and the individual second."
And when we don't do this often enough we wind up with wars and other man made disasters damaging us, the planet, and all the things and people we care about. Our longevity does depend upon cooperating with each other. Nations depend upon it as well. But America is going through a period where cooperation is extended only to the people who think the way we do. Politics is not more important than cooperation. If you need to be rescued or vice versa do you really expect to have your politics checked or do the same to the other guy? If so, you've got problems no one can solve.
And when we don't do this often enough we wind up with wars and other man made disasters damaging us, the planet, and all the things and people we care about. Our longevity does depend upon cooperating with each other. Nations depend upon it as well. But America is going through a period where cooperation is extended only to the people who think the way we do. Politics is not more important than cooperation. If you need to be rescued or vice versa do you really expect to have your politics checked or do the same to the other guy? If so, you've got problems no one can solve.
8
Actually fighting in wars could easily be viewed as an example of putting your community ahead of your individuality. Think of all the people who volunteered to fight and possibly die for their country/community. Both of my grandfather's signed up for WW2 to defend their country against fascism. I'm not saying I'm pro war and I get your point but there are other ways of looking at 'commute' thinking.
Wow! And the dictionary illustration is Trump in profile.
8
Well, sort of. I researched the map and found that it is generally thought to be a swipe at all philosophy, and humankind in general. In other words, we are all fools. The words at the top read, "Know thyself." On the bells, "Who doesn't have donkey ears?". And across the forehead, "For in the whole universe the earth is nothing else and this is the substance of our glory, this is its habitation, here it is that we fill positions of power and covet wealth, and throw mankind into an uproar, and launch wars, even civil ones." The fool is all of us. We are all fooled.
Lovely how etymology can contribute to a current crisis! Kudos to you, Mr. Amthamatten, and many thanks for the tuition! Now, NYT readers, if you REALLY want to set fire in your tinderboxes, open and read the essay by Walter C. Parker (the link in the fourth paragraph) because it offers one path to solving the problem we now face. Sadly, in our current worship of mammon in the temple of "rugged individualism" and our disregard for and refusal to participate in the affairs of our communities, the greater part of the population qualifies, in the ancient Greek sense, as idiots.
14
The author seems preoccupied with the "beauty" of ancient Greek society, where slavery was acceptable, women were chattel, and adult propertied males were the only ones who could "participate in the public, political life of the city-state."
5
But that doesn't negate the etymology of the word idiot.
9
Not really. He is discussing the word "idiotes," and its original meaning, i.e., one who is uninterested in and contributes nothing to the society, or the city (polis) in which he lives.
In a op-ed about Trump last week, a commenter called Trump an idiot and, knowing the word's etymology, I replied that he's more right than he knows.
As for ancient Athens, its democracy might have been exclusive, and even so on occasion it voted in riffraff, but it didn't have tens of millions of voters who scorn anything extra-animal as effete and elitist.
In a op-ed about Trump last week, a commenter called Trump an idiot and, knowing the word's etymology, I replied that he's more right than he knows.
As for ancient Athens, its democracy might have been exclusive, and even so on occasion it voted in riffraff, but it didn't have tens of millions of voters who scorn anything extra-animal as effete and elitist.
3
none of that changes the meaning of "idiot"
I was a teen when Kennedy was President and I have always used this is as the standard by which my President should be judged. His persona, his image, his voice and his articulation of his views. In every succeeding president I looked for those qualities. Some were lacking some of those qualities but mostly I was pleased with the face that represented America to the world. How sad to be facing my twilight years without a President who will present America as I want to believe it exists.
35
Politics aside, thanks for the lesson. One of many reasons that I read the Times.
38
So many live by a narrow view of self-interest, focusing on what's good for them at any given time. Self-interest and self-preservation, properly understood, goes beyond this ego-centric perspective. It is an understanding that paying attention to the interests of all - i.e., the common good- is in fact a precondition for one's own ultimate well-being.
24
Reading the replies here it seems there is much confusion in the least educated of the two major parties about the difference between self interest and selfishness. Here is a little help:
Self-Interest Is Not Selfishness
https://mises.org/library/self-interest-not-selfishness
"If all a person cared about was limited to himself or herself, that person’s self-interest could be equated with selfishness. But if someone cares about anything or anyone else beyond themselves, then this differs from selfishness in several important ways.
When Mother Teresa, for example, used her Nobel Prize award to build a leprosarium, she was acting in a self-interested manner, because those resources were used to advance something she cared about. But she did not act in a selfish manner."
Self-Interest Is Not Selfishness
https://mises.org/library/self-interest-not-selfishness
"If all a person cared about was limited to himself or herself, that person’s self-interest could be equated with selfishness. But if someone cares about anything or anyone else beyond themselves, then this differs from selfishness in several important ways.
When Mother Teresa, for example, used her Nobel Prize award to build a leprosarium, she was acting in a self-interested manner, because those resources were used to advance something she cared about. But she did not act in a selfish manner."
Could it be that Trump himself is suffering from an excess of "black bile" contributing to melancholia, the frantic, sleepless, ill-humor notwithstanding? Yet, the never ending tweets are recognized & understood by millions, indicating that Trump may be symptomatic of a larger problem involving half of the population, many of whom were reduced to idleness by economic forces. The big question is whether he is encouraging the melancholia or attempting to alleviate it.
If an active social life is the correction, including business, employment, etc. then why aren't the "job creators" doing their job?
"Idleness is an appendix to nobility." Robert Burton
If an active social life is the correction, including business, employment, etc. then why aren't the "job creators" doing their job?
"Idleness is an appendix to nobility." Robert Burton
12
Sounds like Trump.
15
Reading these endless anti-Trump diatribes makes me sorry I didn't vote for him. I'll never vote for a candidate endorsed by the NYT, never! I shudder to think of people with a similar world view actually in charge of anything beyond a newspaper.
7
Perhaps next we will learn the original meaning of myopia.
35
This has to be among the worst reasons a person would choose to vote for or not vote for a political candidate that will have power over their lives, their family's lives, their society and their planet.
I can understand choosing not to read the NY Times in the future, given your distaste of this and other articles herein, but voting on this basis is scary to those of us who hope to move this country forward into a sensible place.
I can understand choosing not to read the NY Times in the future, given your distaste of this and other articles herein, but voting on this basis is scary to those of us who hope to move this country forward into a sensible place.
31
Larry. Perhaps you missed the endless mindless diatribes by Trump about Crooked Hillary or Birthism? Payback is a b*tch isn't it?
2
"Useful" idiot is the most appropriate term for Trump. Because of his insecurity-based narcissism and short attention span he is easily manipulated by Bannon(apocalyptic egomaniac), Kushner(businessman) Putin(money laundering), China(eating our economic lunch) and the treasonous GOP(tax breaks for the rich paid for by the poor). Even his most idiotic behavior will be indulged until the moment he ceases to be useful. However, he still has a lot of "usefulness" in him, so he will be with us for awhile.
45
His apparent idiocy is a coping mechanism for PTSD related retention and ability to access short term memory. Notice how he's "so busy" and "doing so much" he can't be blamed for "missing" a few things.
Bob Dylan's song "Idiot Wind" comes to mind every time I listen to Trump.
15
And his "Masters of War". The times are achangin'.
"Somewhere in Texas a Village Is Missing Its Idiot”
Remember the above? A t-shirt logo from the recent past of a former Republican President. Now we have another one.
Why we do this to ourselves is beyond my comprehension. Maybe we could come up with a logo for the village idiots that voted Trump into office. All 62 million of them.
Remember the above? A t-shirt logo from the recent past of a former Republican President. Now we have another one.
Why we do this to ourselves is beyond my comprehension. Maybe we could come up with a logo for the village idiots that voted Trump into office. All 62 million of them.
32
What if they turn out to be idiots-savants?
That use of the word idiot was the modern one -- person of low intelligence. Trump personifies the original meaning of idiot -- self-centered, contributing nothing to public life or the common good; an existence depending on the skill and labor of others; a leech sucking the lifeblood from the social body. Trump is self-centered person, in contrast with the public citizen.
1
Well, there already are t-shirts that say "I'm With Stupid!"
1
As a teacher, I struggle every day with the "stupid is cool" attitude that possesses too many of my students. Learning anything, thinking critically, expressing oneself with eloquence, and (God forbid!) READING are dismissed as the abode of geeks, nerds, and other losers. Willful ignorance is seen as the mark of a "real" person. In Donald Trump, those students have found their avatar--a man who wears his ignorance proudly and defiantly, a man who dismisses knowledge as "fake news," a man who openly admits he has not read a book in 20 YEARS. 60 million voters bought into his schtick. They listen to his incoherent ramblings and conclude, "He's one of us!" They steadfastly ignore that he is a billionaire who has absolutely no understanding of their plight. They watch him on TV and read him on Twitter and think, "He's talking directly to ME!" In 1951, Cyril Kornbluth wrote a short story called "The Marching Morons," depicting a future in which people joyfully embrace ignorance. That story has come true, with the triumph of Trump and his supporters. May God have mercy on us all. #NotMyPresident #RESIST #ImpeachTrumpNOW
1285
You should watch the movie "Idiocracy" if you haven't.
3
What the Trumpeteers who like his ignorance totally ignore is the fact that he was born wealthy and never had to achieve anything on his own. If he'd been born in ordinary financial circumstances, his ignorance would have relegated him to a minimum wage job -- the fate to which his supporters and kids who think dumb is "cool" have and are consigning themselves.
4
And he's not even a billionaire, he just plays one on tv. But if you say that in public, he may sue you-- idiotically.
6
As to idiots:
"As democracy is perfected, the office of president represents, more and more closely, the inner soul of the people. On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart's desire at last and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron." --H.L. Mencken (1880 - 1956)
"As democracy is perfected, the office of president represents, more and more closely, the inner soul of the people. On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart's desire at last and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron." --H.L. Mencken (1880 - 1956)
62
Exactly!
1
Idiocy is a good characterization of Trump. But the way in which he deprecates(?) the presidency of the United States I said he'd be better off accepting idiotic and call it quits while he's ahead. For a idiot he's increased his family's wealth and that of the Kushner family a lot more than he has in years. Sad to see the republican party turn the other cheek all for the control of power.
18
Trump's favorite way to defame people is to call them names. Only an idiot would find that an appropriate way to denigrate someone. It seems he has never risen above the "sticks and stones...." mantra. A true sign.
30
This newspaper does the same thing, day after day.
Alas, this has happened.
No matter how you describe Donald Trump. He is the POTUS. He made it. It is all due to the greatness of this country. The land of opportunities. The greatest democracy. This does not happen anywhere else. Not Saudi Arabia, Russia, China or India.
No matter where you come from. Who you are, what your color is. Or whether you believe in god. You still have a place here, in the USA.
Donald Trump has shown people who he is. He has convinced everyone. That is what a salesman does. The ability to convince those around you, and having a winning attitude. People believed in him and embraced him.
Imagine, Trump defeating those 16 others who were vying for the same job of the presidency.
So, no matter what we all have to say. What Donald J. Trump is saying is that, if others can do it, he can do it too. Everything else is left to the Philosophers.
For a change, are we prepared to say, we are the idiots?
No matter how you describe Donald Trump. He is the POTUS. He made it. It is all due to the greatness of this country. The land of opportunities. The greatest democracy. This does not happen anywhere else. Not Saudi Arabia, Russia, China or India.
No matter where you come from. Who you are, what your color is. Or whether you believe in god. You still have a place here, in the USA.
Donald Trump has shown people who he is. He has convinced everyone. That is what a salesman does. The ability to convince those around you, and having a winning attitude. People believed in him and embraced him.
Imagine, Trump defeating those 16 others who were vying for the same job of the presidency.
So, no matter what we all have to say. What Donald J. Trump is saying is that, if others can do it, he can do it too. Everything else is left to the Philosophers.
For a change, are we prepared to say, we are the idiots?
9
He lost the election by 3 million votes. The electoral college failed to do its job of preventing an incompetent from assuming the office of the president. The electoral college is comprised of idiots.
3,000,000 more voters for Hillary Clinton. Trump lost the popular vote, so not all people "believed" in him. He won in gerrymandered voting districts which gave him 77,000 more Electoral College votes. The EC is a remnant from Reconstruction, a gift from northern industrialists to slave holders to bring them into the Union. They were allowed to count their slaves as 2/3 of a person, thus giving them voting power they did not deserve. Get rid of the EC, go to a popular vote similar to all other Western democracies, and we won't have pompous, semi-literate blowhards in the White House.
1
To "Emcee:" That's an astute comment. Donald Trump may actually be more of an "idiot savant" - someone mentally deficient in certain areas but extraordinarily gifted in one or two others: in his case, an ability to speak to deep-seated fears and grievances and persuade his listeners that he is supremely qualified to come to the rescue. Anyone who can get nearly 63 million Americans to vote for him (46 per cent of the total) should not be dismissed as a mere "idiot."
1
Trump is a Twidiot, among many other things.
18
Having, in the past, worked in the field of developmental disability services, I am wise to the fact that using the term "retard" as a put down is vulgar and crass. I simply wouldn't due it, and I find myself shocked when I hear others use the term in that way. For the same reason, though I have occasionally used the terms idiot, imbecile, and moron (particularly the former), I find myself feeling uncomfortable doing so because of their earlier use as diagnoses and associated disparagement. It becomes tougher and tougher to avoid unintended put-downs of others ("He's acting like a petulant child...") in response to this vile man as he creeps further and further into our collective psyche, poisoning everything and everyone he touches. When one is left appalled and enraged, the temptation to name-call and disparage becomes intense. To find any grace within this storm feel nigh on impossible.
19
sad, states that will not allow “idiots” to vote allow them to be on the ballot
29
"Idiot" came up first in the list because most people were morally or reflexively restrained in using spicier, descriptive and accurate words they were really thinking - words that obviously came further down the list.
Idiot is only a start - but seems very appropriate after reading this very interesting article.
No word is strong enough to describe or define Mr. Trump. We need to coin a new word to describe and define this kind of man - Trumpiot? or simply "trump", as in "What a trump!" I would say the word "trump" will become so offensive that it will become the "t" word when all is said and done.
How amusing, that in states where idiots are not allowed to vote, the same does not apply to the candidates running for POTUS and other public service offices.
Idiot is only a start - but seems very appropriate after reading this very interesting article.
No word is strong enough to describe or define Mr. Trump. We need to coin a new word to describe and define this kind of man - Trumpiot? or simply "trump", as in "What a trump!" I would say the word "trump" will become so offensive that it will become the "t" word when all is said and done.
How amusing, that in states where idiots are not allowed to vote, the same does not apply to the candidates running for POTUS and other public service offices.
16
Gee, and I thought an "idiot" was anyone controlled or dominated by his "id." But I guess that would also describe Trump.
10
It's shocking that so prestigious a journal as the NYTimes would would run an editorial describing our President as an idiot, as well as having described him as "comically unfit" for the job.
But what's even more shocking is how aptly the words describe Trump.
But what's even more shocking is how aptly the words describe Trump.
26
For too long the media did not call Trump what he really is - a liar, a conman, a man who doesn't pay his contractors (small businessmen), litigious, inexperienced in foreign policy, in government. Too late they are rightly calling Trump some of the adjectives that describe who he really is. We should have all listened to Michael Bloomberg who spoke at the Democratic National Convention last summer and who knows Trump many years.
14
Little did I know when I referred to Trump as a moron, I was giving him too much credit. Idiot it is. Too bad we have a president who personifies every ancient and modern meaning of the word.
26
Love the etymological and historical lesson. But can't set aside the fact that nearly 60 million people voted for the pathological narcissist, and there are armies of lawyers, senators, members of the House, media personalities (radio, TV, print and digital), all supporting the Idiot, for varied reasons of their own. What was the Greek understanding of how the Idiot managed the massive destruction you (they?) speak of without the collusion of others?
12
Greece was not a nuclear power, therefore; an idiot was not an existential threat to mankind and the planet. Today, our Idiot is backed by the Idiot ruling party in Congress. Here's looking at you Lindsey Graham, John McCain (demented), Mitch McConnell, Paul Ryan, and every other Republican in and out of Congress. And Diane Feinstein who didn't have the gumption to affirm that Trump was unfit to be president yesterday on the Sunday talk shows. "I'm not there yet". If you can't admit he is unfit in order to be politically correct at least affirm he hasn't shown his fitness to date.
14
So - no need to argue about the validity of psychiatric terms such as "sociopath." This descriptive word fits perfectly.
In many respects I can refer to most politicians as idiots. They cater to all constituents and accomplish little for the common good. If Trump had kept his mouth shut and gone about his business in near silence he could have accomplished as much or more. The thing I like about Trump is his decisiveness and outspokenness. What you see is what you get. He minces no words and tells it like it is. That elicits more criticism but I can easily overlook it. I am more interested in the long haul than in the moment. In other words, I am one of the deplorables.
1
"What you see is what you get"
Most American do see no value at best and an idiot at the worst.
"He tells like it is ..."
Can you supply any example of telling as it is? What we hear is plain gibberish, whch I suppose Hannity is translating to you as a "wisdom".
Most American do see no value at best and an idiot at the worst.
"He tells like it is ..."
Can you supply any example of telling as it is? What we hear is plain gibberish, whch I suppose Hannity is translating to you as a "wisdom".
"He minces no words and tells it like it is."
If you mean he lies about almost everything, I agree with you.
If you mean he lies about almost everything, I agree with you.
"The idiot speaks only in idioms, though these function for him not as colorful additions to a language or culture, but are understood by him alone."
Viewed in the context of 'it takes a village to nurture and cherish an idiot', Trump's language is not that of incomprehensible babble, but of a common morality of ressentiment.
Ressentiment is a sense of hostility directed at that which one identifies as the cause of one's frustration, that is, an assignment of blame for one's frustration. The sense of weakness or inferiority and perhaps jealousy in the face of the "cause" generates a rejecting/justifying value system, or morality, which attacks or denies the perceived source of one's frustration. This value system is then used as a means of justifying one's own weaknesses by identifying the source of envy as objectively inferior, serving as a defense mechanism that prevents the resentful individual from addressing and overcoming their insecurities and flaws. The ego creates an enemy in order to insulate itself from culpability.(wikipedia)
That the perceptions and motivations of such a significant proportion of our fellow citizens normalizes and approves the Trump(he's doing a great job), is the defining challenge. Addressing fears, insecurities and resentments of the idios with the language of the polites helps explain the bewilderment of both factions.
Viewed in the context of 'it takes a village to nurture and cherish an idiot', Trump's language is not that of incomprehensible babble, but of a common morality of ressentiment.
Ressentiment is a sense of hostility directed at that which one identifies as the cause of one's frustration, that is, an assignment of blame for one's frustration. The sense of weakness or inferiority and perhaps jealousy in the face of the "cause" generates a rejecting/justifying value system, or morality, which attacks or denies the perceived source of one's frustration. This value system is then used as a means of justifying one's own weaknesses by identifying the source of envy as objectively inferior, serving as a defense mechanism that prevents the resentful individual from addressing and overcoming their insecurities and flaws. The ego creates an enemy in order to insulate itself from culpability.(wikipedia)
That the perceptions and motivations of such a significant proportion of our fellow citizens normalizes and approves the Trump(he's doing a great job), is the defining challenge. Addressing fears, insecurities and resentments of the idios with the language of the polites helps explain the bewilderment of both factions.
1
Apt description for Mr Trump. Stupid, signifying lack of intelligence, common sense and good judgement, could also apply. Also missing from Mr Trump's DNA are honesty, ethics, and core values.
Mr Trump is what he is.
But more troubling are Republican Congressmen and Senators who rally around Mr Trump, refusing to acknowledge publicly his administration's dysfunction, his chaotic governance, his bizarre tweet messaging.
Also, few mention how every institution that is the bulwark of our government, especially the judiciary, and the intelligence community, have been excoriated by Mr Trump.
Russian intervention in the 2016 was fake news. Everything he rejects is fake.
Why do these Republicans legislators defend him?
Mr Trump is what he is.
But more troubling are Republican Congressmen and Senators who rally around Mr Trump, refusing to acknowledge publicly his administration's dysfunction, his chaotic governance, his bizarre tweet messaging.
Also, few mention how every institution that is the bulwark of our government, especially the judiciary, and the intelligence community, have been excoriated by Mr Trump.
Russian intervention in the 2016 was fake news. Everything he rejects is fake.
Why do these Republicans legislators defend him?
10
Because NOTHING compels them to do otherwise.
"Certainly the game is rigged. Don't let that stop you; if you don't bet (vote) you can't win." - Robert A Heinlein
"Certainly the game is rigged. Don't let that stop you; if you don't bet (vote) you can't win." - Robert A Heinlein
We should also consider the true meaning of "maroon", as in Bugs Bunny's "What a maroon". When I think of Trump, I think of Bugs every time.
7
Maroon is said to be derived from the Spanish for cimarrón, meaning "wild" or"Untamed" people outside the European fortresses in the Caribbean and Florida. It is a reference to Florida's escaped or freed black slaves and Seminole tribes hostile to white colonials such as the British or Spanish. Later the reference meant mixed race(Native-black-white) renegades or gunmen as in the historically inspired TV-series staring Clint Walker as "Cimarrón"). See the First Maroon War (1738-1739) and The Second Maroon War (1795-1796)--Wikipedia.
2
Thanks. That explains what Bugs called the Tasmanian Devil and Yosemite Sam - real wild characters for sure Not sure about Elmer Fudd though.
The word "idiot" is fraught with thoughtless denigration and mental health implications. Legitimizing it will get anti-Trump forces exactly where?
Democrats are running passionately, but scattered. Hopefully, we can unite. That doesn't necessarily mean trying to ram a narrowly focused agenda down everyone's throat. Bernie Sanders' proposals help in many areas, but would send a candidate trying to toss a Republican out of office in a Red state back to his day job.
We need messages broad enough to win some Trump voters who realize they've been had and exciting enough to get the Sanders voters out to do just that - vote.
Name calling isn't going to get it done.
Democrats are running passionately, but scattered. Hopefully, we can unite. That doesn't necessarily mean trying to ram a narrowly focused agenda down everyone's throat. Bernie Sanders' proposals help in many areas, but would send a candidate trying to toss a Republican out of office in a Red state back to his day job.
We need messages broad enough to win some Trump voters who realize they've been had and exciting enough to get the Sanders voters out to do just that - vote.
Name calling isn't going to get it done.
Every time we turn the ignition on in our Escalades or Yukons the engine roars to life shouting Thatcher's phrase 'there is no such thing as society.' Idiocy is the road we are driving down.
2
Interesting and informative but the knowledge doesn't really make me feel any better. I suppose it's useful to know the technical definition of Trump's mental disability. However, the gravity of the situation still points to what everyone already knew: There's a crazy man running the country. Also, I don't believe Trump's mental handicaps are limited to idiocy. The term is definitely appropriate but there's a cocktail of reproachful terms that best describe our President. Let's keep an open mind.
4
The word that fits him best is 'lazy.' He is unfit mentally, physically, and morally, not because he is stupid or incapable, but because he has never needed to actually work hard.
The hard part of real estate is not the owning of the property. The hard part is having the assets in the beginning to BUY the property. That part was taken care of by Fred Trump--DJT was given EVERYTHING by his (white supremacist and just plain immoral) daddy.
Trump is not stupid--he KNOWS he didn't earn what he has, and at some deep level, he knows he's a big-time loser. Nothing he's ever done has been as successful as the rental empire his dad built. The books: written by someone else. The TV shows: Mark Burnett created and produced that. Trump's actual real-estate deals: most true real-estate owners LAUGH at his horrible and puny deals.
He's lazy. That's all.
The hard part of real estate is not the owning of the property. The hard part is having the assets in the beginning to BUY the property. That part was taken care of by Fred Trump--DJT was given EVERYTHING by his (white supremacist and just plain immoral) daddy.
Trump is not stupid--he KNOWS he didn't earn what he has, and at some deep level, he knows he's a big-time loser. Nothing he's ever done has been as successful as the rental empire his dad built. The books: written by someone else. The TV shows: Mark Burnett created and produced that. Trump's actual real-estate deals: most true real-estate owners LAUGH at his horrible and puny deals.
He's lazy. That's all.
3
Finally, we have a basis for contesting the election results in Kentucky, Mississippi, New Mexico and Ohio.
4
It's complicated. In the 1980s, communitarian thinkers challenged liberal orthodoxy. https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/communitarianism/
There is an important corollary here:
If idiots are destroyers first, they are not builders first.
Capitalists are builders. Yes, they can be "creative destroyers," but they do not destroy except through building. Those "capitalists" who destroy to build only their own fortunes, and do not also create wealth for their customers, their communities, are Fake Capitalists.
This corollary deserves much more discussion. But I have a Calculus II final to get to. I leave you for now with this assertion:
Trump is a fake capitalist. The Republicans who support and enable him are fake capitalists. Paul Ryan is the number one fake capitalist in the G.O.P. He thinks he understood "Atlas Shrugged." He never has.
The most capitalist candidate in 2016 was Bernie Sanders. Too bad even he doesn't realize this. Sanders platform was not about giving things away. His platform was about investing, specifically investing in people. Such investments historically have the greatest returns. Consider: College graduates earn much more money than non-graduates. Therefore, they pay much more in taxes. The Return on Investment is much better than most of us will ever earn passively.
Paul Ryan, and most Republicans today, do not get this. Preserving existing fortunes, like the Koch Brothers', is not capitalism. It's life support. Welfare/healthcare for a pre-existing condition: Being invested in depleting assets, and not having either the brains or the courage to move on.
If idiots are destroyers first, they are not builders first.
Capitalists are builders. Yes, they can be "creative destroyers," but they do not destroy except through building. Those "capitalists" who destroy to build only their own fortunes, and do not also create wealth for their customers, their communities, are Fake Capitalists.
This corollary deserves much more discussion. But I have a Calculus II final to get to. I leave you for now with this assertion:
Trump is a fake capitalist. The Republicans who support and enable him are fake capitalists. Paul Ryan is the number one fake capitalist in the G.O.P. He thinks he understood "Atlas Shrugged." He never has.
The most capitalist candidate in 2016 was Bernie Sanders. Too bad even he doesn't realize this. Sanders platform was not about giving things away. His platform was about investing, specifically investing in people. Such investments historically have the greatest returns. Consider: College graduates earn much more money than non-graduates. Therefore, they pay much more in taxes. The Return on Investment is much better than most of us will ever earn passively.
Paul Ryan, and most Republicans today, do not get this. Preserving existing fortunes, like the Koch Brothers', is not capitalism. It's life support. Welfare/healthcare for a pre-existing condition: Being invested in depleting assets, and not having either the brains or the courage to move on.
9
Just what part of your understanding of "Capitalists" is included in "universities" that require many, many, many students to use LOANS to acquire this marvelous education that will earn them so very much MONEY, MONEY, MONEY over their lifetime ? Who will dig the ditch, cut the board, stir the soup, when EVERYONE has a University Degree in Capitalism ? Capitalism as a social solution to everything is a myth.
You are refuting an argument I didn't make. I didn't say that capitalism is the answer to everything. And I don't see capitalism and socialism in opposition. Both are important tools. We thrive through both competition and cooperation, not just one or the other. In the right circumstances, the right situations, capitalism is sometimes a better tool, and sometimes socialism is a better tool, although that is a crude assertion.
Winston Churchill allegedly once commented that "half of the members of the British Parlament were idiots". Pilloried by the press and asked to issue a public apology, he did and said " I apologize to the esteemed members of this body. What I meant to say was that half of its members are not idiots".
I'll leave the analogy of his remarks as they may apply to the present state of our politics to others.
But as far as our so-called president is concerned, the word is appropriate. Thank you for confirming my suspicions.
I'll leave the analogy of his remarks as they may apply to the present state of our politics to others.
But as far as our so-called president is concerned, the word is appropriate. Thank you for confirming my suspicions.
4
The author mentions that "Humans evolved for the most part by putting community first...". I would argue that we haven't quite met that criterion yet, and would modify it to say, "Humans evolved for the most part by putting clan first...". By that, I believe that we do have a communal aspect, but it is not so far-reaching as to include the massive communities, and non-connected groups that we would perhaps like in this modern world. Humans seem to still center their concerns on small groups; some studies say the true extent of inter-action is with no more than 150 people, and there are those who say we haven't moved beyond "communities" much larger than vast, extended families of even less people. Maybe our social or public policy efforts need to be geared back to reflect a smaller group influence; neighborhood watch groups seem more effective than national safety policies. In basic terms, those in position to develop national power should consider that whatever impacts my small community comes first and policy should be geared to that - correct or support the local community, then connect those dots for a more expanded policy, one that is more flexible for multi-community needs instead of one, inflexible national policy...or one that is so absurdly all-inclusive it fits no-one's needs. So that translates to having a leader who can recognize and work with multi-needs, disparate ideas from groups of people. How absurd is the current climate and "leader" in comparison.
3
Stop supporting Trump businesses.
Invited to a wedding at Mar-a-Lago or an event at Trump Tower, well, you just can't attend it, can you?
Invited to a wedding at Mar-a-Lago or an event at Trump Tower, well, you just can't attend it, can you?
4
So, instead of "How are you?" being a standard greeting, how about: "What is your contribution?"
Identity warriors, take note.
Walter C. Parker's invocation of the original meaning of the root of idiot would seem to fit very well. Like one of his mentors, Roy C. Cohn, Mr. Trump seems to have chosen his worst traits. He courted as much press coverage as possible, brash, bombastic, quick to threaten, had no compunction about bending facts to suit his purpose, used his questionable dealings as a point of pride when he chose, staying in almost constant conflict with his profession and the law, and shamelessness among many other less than what most think desirable traits. Shamelessness was prominent for Cohn and I am waiting to learn of something besides losing or being thought of as less than a billionaire that is shameless to Donald Trump. Even Jimmy Swaggart had a limit on how often he could "backslide"and lie to the faithful. His insults toward so many different people as a second nature form of communication is something I have never seen in any form of public life. He is not a stupid man and I would not call him lazy but would question his priority for things to put his energy into. I know of no one in my life who has lied more. Politicians, if measured by Trump standards, should be getting an upgrade in character assessments. Failing to understand his limits shows not only in his endeavors but in the things he presumes he can and cannot be given credit Failing to understanding that the U.S. is still a functioning liberal democracy may be the factor ending his malfeasant presidency.
1
Thank you for an inspiring article.
I find that many conservative natural law arguments are deeply flawed in that they cling to the Hobbesian "state of nature" concept of human origins that is pure myth. There was never any such "state of nature" of atomistic individuals. Humans always lived in communities.
But living in communities did not mean self-abnegation. Successful life in communities means both self-actualization and community, constantly developing and reconciling the two. Classical concepts of moral virtue prefigure our modern concept of mental health. Effective leaders and sound citizens combine self-actualization with altruism and serving their community.
There is also a bridge between the classic, morally grounded terms "idiot" and later "moral idiot" and the modern psychological concept of the psychopath.
Though humans never lived in Hobbes' atomistic war of all against all, a handful of individuals in every tribe and village fit this bill of idiot, moral idiot and psychopath. My own theory is that they were like soldier ants, useful in war (and easily managed in small communities where everyone knew each other.)
With the rise of the modern state the idiot- psychopath has spandreled into a grasping creature that constantly seeks to remake civilization in his own image and succeeds only in destroying it.
I find that many conservative natural law arguments are deeply flawed in that they cling to the Hobbesian "state of nature" concept of human origins that is pure myth. There was never any such "state of nature" of atomistic individuals. Humans always lived in communities.
But living in communities did not mean self-abnegation. Successful life in communities means both self-actualization and community, constantly developing and reconciling the two. Classical concepts of moral virtue prefigure our modern concept of mental health. Effective leaders and sound citizens combine self-actualization with altruism and serving their community.
There is also a bridge between the classic, morally grounded terms "idiot" and later "moral idiot" and the modern psychological concept of the psychopath.
Though humans never lived in Hobbes' atomistic war of all against all, a handful of individuals in every tribe and village fit this bill of idiot, moral idiot and psychopath. My own theory is that they were like soldier ants, useful in war (and easily managed in small communities where everyone knew each other.)
With the rise of the modern state the idiot- psychopath has spandreled into a grasping creature that constantly seeks to remake civilization in his own image and succeeds only in destroying it.
Great piece. Btw, did you see the latest interview of his son? Apparently the Apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
2
This is just more evidence that the very best of Democratic Party logic is nothing more than the ad hominem fallacy.
1
As my Mamaw use to say, a man wrapped up in himself makes for a small package.
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I love words. I love your exploration of the history of the term "idiot." I love your summarizing Parker thusly: "The idiot, then, was a threat to the city-state, to public life, and to the bonds that make communication and community possible." What a calm and insightful way of stating our central problem of today! It fascinates me that no matter how "idiot" is defined and no matter how nuanced each meaning is, the term still fits the Leader of the Free World. Okay, problem identified. Solution?
1
Of everything I have read about Trump over the past two years, this piece comes closest to the essential truth.
An essential truth is one that is literally necessary for us to grasp in order not only to survive, but to thrive, and to leave a good legacy to those who we hope will come after us.
If we do not learn this lesson from Trump, from his voters, from his enablers, actively and passively most of the Republican Party today, and too many Democrats (not a false equivalence - I specifically point out that Trump's enablers, and more broadly Trumpism's enablers, are both active and passive. Democrats have done far too little to oppose Trumpism in the era of Clintonian/DLC if-you-can't-beat-'em-join-em "compromise," which was indeed capitulation, for the sake of elected offices, but not for the advancement of good policies.).
As I've pointed out elsewhere, we don't need to fight capitalism, but instead to fight for an honest capitalism, an intelligent and wise capitalism, a capitalism that rewards the creation of real wealth, that acknowledges and encourages honest exchanges of value. We need to identify and distinguish between the real capitalists, and the fake capitalists.
Hint: The Koch Brothers, defending their empire through legislation, rather than honest competition, are not Randian heroes. Neither is Paul Ryan.
So if you'll excuse me, I have a Calculus final to get to.
An essential truth is one that is literally necessary for us to grasp in order not only to survive, but to thrive, and to leave a good legacy to those who we hope will come after us.
If we do not learn this lesson from Trump, from his voters, from his enablers, actively and passively most of the Republican Party today, and too many Democrats (not a false equivalence - I specifically point out that Trump's enablers, and more broadly Trumpism's enablers, are both active and passive. Democrats have done far too little to oppose Trumpism in the era of Clintonian/DLC if-you-can't-beat-'em-join-em "compromise," which was indeed capitulation, for the sake of elected offices, but not for the advancement of good policies.).
As I've pointed out elsewhere, we don't need to fight capitalism, but instead to fight for an honest capitalism, an intelligent and wise capitalism, a capitalism that rewards the creation of real wealth, that acknowledges and encourages honest exchanges of value. We need to identify and distinguish between the real capitalists, and the fake capitalists.
Hint: The Koch Brothers, defending their empire through legislation, rather than honest competition, are not Randian heroes. Neither is Paul Ryan.
So if you'll excuse me, I have a Calculus final to get to.
3
E Pluribus Unum, meaning "Out of many, one." It's a Latin phrase that has been associated with our country since its formation from the original thirteen colonies over two hundred years ago. The freedoms we have enjoyed in the intervening years have included the right to not educate ourselves, if we so chose. How many in this country can identify the language that this phrase originated from, or the meaning of the phrase, or, even, why it might be important to us as a nation? As we have become prosperous we have become lazy, and our thirst for knowledge has become weak. We can add this to the list of reasons why we now find ourselves with an idiot as president. To quote the brilliant cartoonist Walt Kelly, "We have met the enemy, and he is us."
311
What Trump knows about this is that it's printed on money.
AMEN!
1
To quote the brilliant cartoonists, Brant Parker and Johnny Hart: "The King is a Fink!"
I think it's unfair to put Trump into the same camp as Prince Myshkin, who deserves better company than that (I say that knowing that he didn't necessarily maintain the most savory entourage--I'm looking at you, Rogozhin!). I think this article unfairly characterizes the figure of the "idiot," which takes on a radically different meaning in the context of Dostoevsky's masterpiece. The idiot is, indeed, a man "apart," but not in a necessarily destructive or leechful manner.
Moreover, I don't see Donald Trump as someone who lacks "professional skills." Say what you will, but he has played the American system so as to corner a great deal of material resources for himself and ascend to the highest rung of executive power.
Donald Trump is no more than a villain; I don't see the possibility of redemption within the trajectory of his presidency.
Moreover, I don't see Donald Trump as someone who lacks "professional skills." Say what you will, but he has played the American system so as to corner a great deal of material resources for himself and ascend to the highest rung of executive power.
Donald Trump is no more than a villain; I don't see the possibility of redemption within the trajectory of his presidency.
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Interesting perspective. Perhaps Trump is some kind of idiot savant (with the emphasis on "idiot").
What makes Prince Myshkin the "Idiot" is that he hasn't acquired the cynicism that defines the rest of modern society. To go by the meaning laid out here, Myshkin is the only adult in the novel that is NOT an "idiot." Maybe it's the Russian's idea of a joke.
About age 12, the human brain's language center loses its primordial oomph. Up to this point, all humans are fantastically gifted at learning languages. They listen carefully by nature, they play with ideas and signs, they develop new ones. Without this growth stage, there would be no human society at all. Twelve is also about the age that, historically, children are seen to reach young adulthood. The bitter and jealous cohort of the old have long imposed this honor on people who have forgotten how to listen as they have. But Myshkin's eyes are wide open all the time, his ears belong to whomever has something to tell, and his heart has room for anything, even though he knows it may kill him. For this, he is ridiculed by the idiotes. Christ, too, notably.
Maybe it's time to amend the USC with an eye to the old saw: Never trust anyone over 35. We should only elect a president young enough to live with the implications of her tenure, and who has not been much warped by the poison of "experience:" the hardening of the head and the heart, the harrowing narrowing of the human spirit. I propose forming the Birthday Party: our platforms will be the tiers of an ice cream cake, and tubs of linguistic Legos shall abound.
About age 12, the human brain's language center loses its primordial oomph. Up to this point, all humans are fantastically gifted at learning languages. They listen carefully by nature, they play with ideas and signs, they develop new ones. Without this growth stage, there would be no human society at all. Twelve is also about the age that, historically, children are seen to reach young adulthood. The bitter and jealous cohort of the old have long imposed this honor on people who have forgotten how to listen as they have. But Myshkin's eyes are wide open all the time, his ears belong to whomever has something to tell, and his heart has room for anything, even though he knows it may kill him. For this, he is ridiculed by the idiotes. Christ, too, notably.
Maybe it's time to amend the USC with an eye to the old saw: Never trust anyone over 35. We should only elect a president young enough to live with the implications of her tenure, and who has not been much warped by the poison of "experience:" the hardening of the head and the heart, the harrowing narrowing of the human spirit. I propose forming the Birthday Party: our platforms will be the tiers of an ice cream cake, and tubs of linguistic Legos shall abound.
Myshkin was an idiot, then was not necessarily an idiot, then became a complete idiot. If there was any time that Trump was not an idiot, I would say the basic comparison is on the contrary rather sound.
We should not dwell only on the literal or historical meaning of "Idiot" but also on near antonyms: intellect, intellectual, sage, thinker, whiz, wizard; polymath and Renaissance man to see if any of it applies. In my opinion none does, so "Idiot" may well be a descriptor of at least some key aspects of his personality. In the end what matters is what people in the congress and their constituents think of him. I think "Narcissist" describes him better which means a person who is overly concerned with his or her own desires, needs, or interests; also described as egocentric, egomaniac, egotist, ego-tripper and egoist.
1
Interesting etymology: I enjoyed the sick irony of the ancient Greek definition. Quite 'a propos' to the topic at hand.
But I find myself conflicted: as one who vigorously defends the right for all to vote, I find myself thinking that, perhaps, if "Kentucky, Mississippi, (New Mexico) (sic), and Ohio" had actually enforced their laws, and "now allow(ed) "idiots" to vote", we wouldn't have he who ranked as such in the White House, today... heavy sigh.
But I find myself conflicted: as one who vigorously defends the right for all to vote, I find myself thinking that, perhaps, if "Kentucky, Mississippi, (New Mexico) (sic), and Ohio" had actually enforced their laws, and "now allow(ed) "idiots" to vote", we wouldn't have he who ranked as such in the White House, today... heavy sigh.
5
Our troubles come from the collision of two Greek ideas: democracy, and idiocy. We have created a dangerous mythology about voting as all-important: Just get out there and vote! Everyone is urged to register and vote as if that is an end and a good in itself. We have embraced the magical belief that somehow, in some way, out of the wishes of millions of idiots, will come wisdom. It is not so.
5
as my Navy father would say "he has a little right rudder"
3
You had me at "solipsist." What a perfect descriptor.
2
Since many don't know the meaning of the words they use, the term "idiot" is hardly precise. Worse, this type of clarifying essay adds little to the horrifying subject: Trump's damage to our way of life.
Words hardly matter when your health insurance ends, or the quality of breathable air deteriorates, or lawlessness becomes the norm.
Words hardly matter when your health insurance ends, or the quality of breathable air deteriorates, or lawlessness becomes the norm.
3
The most glaring flaw in Trump's perception ("world view" give this myopic narcissist way too much credit) is that it is entirely a predatory model. On the savannah, you are either eating, or being eaten: there is no in-between. But even in that realm cooperation is not limited to one's brood, but extended to the herd for the common good. Trump's entire life involves a calculation of how any thing, or anybody, is good for one, and only one person: Donald Trump.
9
Idiotic is the word we are looking for, as in the Trump presidency being an idiotic situation. What is in question is how we got here.The Russians would say, and from experience, that we are the ones not in the right head, and why would they want meddle in any of that. In actuality, Trumps behavior is consistent with a super intelligence, so bright it is oblivious to the dangers and pitfalls that would stop others in similar undertakings. The story then is not so much about Trump, as it is how we let our situation get to such a desperate state of lies and promises of greatness, and of the eventual betrayal that come with it. A story that had its beginnings long before Donald Trump was even born.
2
Trump presidency is a necessary evil. Next election, my children will hopefully get to see what REAL election should look like. Real participation can only come from real fear. 8 years of a Obama spoiled us to think that we simply deserve a president like that, by default. Unfortunately, Trump is what we "deserved" in the last election. We must not ignore this.
We have to earn another "Obama"! That's what I told my 8 yo daughter.
We have to earn another "Obama"! That's what I told my 8 yo daughter.
2
There's nothing 'wrong' with Trump. And getting rid of him won't cure our ills. His values correspond to those of a large, a very large, part of our population.
If you look back on the history of our species we've not done very well in the long run. 'Isms' have generally failed us in, in one way or the other. In desperation we've invented god or gods, goddesses etc. of one kind or another. All failures. There is I think, or need to think, some hope but it is only a glimmering
If you look back on the history of our species we've not done very well in the long run. 'Isms' have generally failed us in, in one way or the other. In desperation we've invented god or gods, goddesses etc. of one kind or another. All failures. There is I think, or need to think, some hope but it is only a glimmering
45
"His values correspond to those of a large,a very large, part of our population" ?
Just how many in our population have gone Banko 4 times, setup a fake "University" and stiffed students for at least $25M, and think it is perfectly OK to just "grab them by the kitty" ?
Just how many in our population have gone Banko 4 times, setup a fake "University" and stiffed students for at least $25M, and think it is perfectly OK to just "grab them by the kitty" ?
1
James F Traynor: I'm sorry, but there is a LOT wrong with Trump. There is a LOT wrong with a large part of our population, but not as many as you might think matching what is wrong with Trump. The very large part of our population you allude to actually do NOT share Trump's values, he merely conned them into thinking he did. And, as we know, many people will refuse to admit they have been conned to protect their own self-esteem, or cling too long to the hope that they aren't being conned because the con artist has played to a deep need, one that they haven't been able to address on their own.
If a diseased leech was on your back, infecting you with some nasty bacteria and sucking you dry, getting rid of the leech might not cure your disease and blood loss, but nothing else will if you leave it on your back.
If a diseased leech was on your back, infecting you with some nasty bacteria and sucking you dry, getting rid of the leech might not cure your disease and blood loss, but nothing else will if you leave it on your back.
2
No, I do not think there is any more hope. When cornered, Trump will overthrow what remains of the institution.
Narcissist would have been my response to the question. It seems to consistently rule Trumps actions. Greedy Narcissist is I could answer in 2 words.
2
"Humans evolved for the most part by putting community first and the individual second." <-- The enlightened masters always insisted any transformation must come/start from the Individual first. Before one knows oneself and transforms, its seriously questionable what good an individual can bring to the community or society he is living. (I know this is not exactly related to the subject matter of this article, but that line made me think.)
I wish I could take one of Mr. Anthamatten's classes. Thank you for this tutorial.
Perhaps you can write a piece re: the mindset of the diehard Trump supporter? It amazes me that people will fall on the Trump sword rather than say they were mistaken when they voted for him.
Perhaps you can write a piece re: the mindset of the diehard Trump supporter? It amazes me that people will fall on the Trump sword rather than say they were mistaken when they voted for him.
5
Nice.
This meaning come through in a common identfication of a computer error: ID:10T. Used only when you realize the reason something isn't working the way it is supposed to is not because it is broken, but because you made a mistake. Not so much "I made a stupid mistake" as "The mistake was mine."
This meaning come through in a common identfication of a computer error: ID:10T. Used only when you realize the reason something isn't working the way it is supposed to is not because it is broken, but because you made a mistake. Not so much "I made a stupid mistake" as "The mistake was mine."
2
While this very accurately defines our so-called president, it also equally condemns the plutocracy that funds the Republican Party. They are nhilist who are attempting to bend our democracy to serve their selfish, entitled, and deeply undemocratic ends. They must be resisted and their agenda discredited every bit as vigorously as the man they have foisted upon us. Without them, Trump would have continued as the bane and bad joke of NYC, not the destroyer of the world.
9
Trump is a malignant force - supported by a malignant Congress. We had eight years of reversal of the second Great Depression. Countries united to reverse the fallout of the Iraq Wae and 9/11, climate change, Ebola, world humanitarian relief. The US iunder Trump is an alienating force - neighbors estranged, allies rejected, human rights denied. Focus on the policies disrupted, not the man.
8
"I Dios" really means: "I am God." It is the consciousness of an infant. The Constitution is a parenting document designed to gently lower us from the delusional state of divine right or the monarchical "me" into the world of other people or, more simply. the realm of "not me.'" This disillusionment never happens without an attuned parent helping the child manage their turbulent emotions as they are introduced to the greater reward of democracy, more simply, the thrill of cooperation with others. Those unseparated from their myopic idocracy will do anything to defend it. it is the source of all war, both within and without.
2
Trump's idiocy is self-evident--his words and his deeds. While this article is enjoyable to read further comment/argument/analysis is unnecessary. But, what goes beyond his idiocy is his meanest. This is what I look to see discussed.
3
I have settled on one word to define this "president" which at once defines the effect and the cause. Disaster is the effect and the second syllable is the cause of the effect.
2
Thank you. This is an etymology I very much appreciate (having had Greek in high school more than 50 years ago). In the manner of Jared Bernstein's formulation of Witt v Yoyo (we're in this together v. You're on your own), we can describe the current partisan divide as 'Polites v Idiotes'.
3
The vague wording of the Declaration of Independence, when it defines the American dream as "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness," has encouraged many people to envision these ideals in individualistic terms. This misreading stems from a failure to read the closing paragraph of the document, where the signatories pledge to each other their lives and fortunes to achieve independence from Britain. In order for the individual to secure the right of personal autonomy, in other words, he must bind himself to a community of people with similar aspirations.
The tension between these individualist and communitarian ideals has shaped American history. In times of crisis, whether of the military or economic variety, we tend to focus on our mutual responsibility to society and denounce those who spurn the need for sacrifice. In quieter periods, we champion the creative individual who pursues her own dreams.
At all times, however, Americans demand that their elected officiials place community interests above their own. An expectation often honored in the breach, it nevertheless helps distinguish our greatest leaders from the mediocre ones. Men like Washington, Lincoln, and the Roosevelts, while personally ambitious, harnessed their personal goals to an inevitably flawed vision of the public good. Politicians in the mold of Trump, on the other hand, qualify as idiots, because they subordinate the public welfare to their own individual advancement and enrichment.
The tension between these individualist and communitarian ideals has shaped American history. In times of crisis, whether of the military or economic variety, we tend to focus on our mutual responsibility to society and denounce those who spurn the need for sacrifice. In quieter periods, we champion the creative individual who pursues her own dreams.
At all times, however, Americans demand that their elected officiials place community interests above their own. An expectation often honored in the breach, it nevertheless helps distinguish our greatest leaders from the mediocre ones. Men like Washington, Lincoln, and the Roosevelts, while personally ambitious, harnessed their personal goals to an inevitably flawed vision of the public good. Politicians in the mold of Trump, on the other hand, qualify as idiots, because they subordinate the public welfare to their own individual advancement and enrichment.
295
Mr. Lee, I think this comment is nothing short of brilliant and I am sharing it far and wide. Thank you for your insight!
Extreme American conservativism is just this: an ideology ("religion") of the individual over everyone and everything else. It's supremely ironic that so many who call themselves "Christians" follow this creed first. Their allegiance to it has even changed what we understand "Christian" to mean.
12
Good job! Slay that strawman!
1
We commenters here are largely choir-preachers, it seems--a choir to which I definitely belong. I've given up trying to find adequate words to describe Trump. But what all of us must not give up on is trying to understand and reach so many of our fellow citizens who did vote for this person! When I read, virtually every day, an anti-T column by one of the Times's terrific columnists, I feel that he/she is just reinforcing our fears and anger, but also feeding the defensiveness and obstinacy of those who defend everything T does. How do we get past this "wall" between us. We are all idiots if we can't create more polites and a saner polity.
3
Embarrassing would be my word of choice. Trump, his cabinet, his behavior, his family, his words, embarrassing.
8
I 2nd this !!
3
Is there a separate designation for "venal" idiocy? That would be where the individual is of normal intelligence but driven to act irrationally by greed and selfishness.
3
It's high time to resurrect the very useful Victorian term for someone or something worthless: "trumpery."
7
Name calling and humiliation are no way to move our community into greater harmony.
1
The Spanish philosopher, Ortega y Gasset, divided people into elite and "mass men". The elite, according to hm, are not defined by social class or even educational attainment, but by the way they approach their work and responsibilities. The elite person may be a carpenter who wants to build the best table possible. He is not interested in putting out an item for quick sale, but in a product in which the quality of material and the expertise of the maker come together to create something valuable. The elite give to society, the mass men receive the benefit of their dedication as something normal, to be taken for granted, unaware of the effort that went into it. More importantly, there is nothing of the Ayn Rand's selfishness in the elite, but a desire to benefit society through their commitment and devotion.
14
He who integrates is lost - Theodor Adorno Society elected Trump and religious groups are often the foundation of extremism. Society is no more than individuals joined together in searching for a truth and validation for personal beliefs and to alleviate the reality of existential angst. Society should support the idea that we are all individual, each deserving the respect of each other and learn to live unselfishly as individuals. Social truths are transient and cut like a double edged sword. Be careful people.
5
"Society should support the idea that we are all individual, each deserving the respect of each other and learn to live unselfishly as individuals."
This is an example of which the author's description aptly fits but one of Trump's many failings.
This is an example of which the author's description aptly fits but one of Trump's many failings.
2
The only idiots are any of the Trump voters who would vote for him again.
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Surely idiocy, even in this exacting Greek usage, is a severe disability. How then is complaining about idiots not "ableist"? The ability to contribute to the common good being at issue here, if we are not to be "ableist," shouldn't we maintain silence about the emperor's clothes?
"Eventually, the idiot destroys himself, but in so doing, potentially annihilates everyone along with him. He is a ticking time bomb in the middle of the public square."
If so, the community has to engage in self-preservation. The "ticking bomb" must be defused, or deactivated, and removed.
Then the idiot can spend the rest of his narcissistic existence writing his memoirs about how unfairly he was treated despite his greatness, only to thwart his amazing effort to Make America Great Again, or Gag Again, or Genuflect Again, not quite sure.
Allow me to suggest a title: The Moronic Verses: How I, Donald J. Trump, Became President And Was Unfairly Treated By The Fake News Media, No-Talent Alec Baldwin, So Sad...
If so, the community has to engage in self-preservation. The "ticking bomb" must be defused, or deactivated, and removed.
Then the idiot can spend the rest of his narcissistic existence writing his memoirs about how unfairly he was treated despite his greatness, only to thwart his amazing effort to Make America Great Again, or Gag Again, or Genuflect Again, not quite sure.
Allow me to suggest a title: The Moronic Verses: How I, Donald J. Trump, Became President And Was Unfairly Treated By The Fake News Media, No-Talent Alec Baldwin, So Sad...
27
I pray that the non-idotic electorate will defuse the Idiot-in-Chief and his Idiotic Republican Congress before the bomb goes off.
24
Let's add an 's' to idiot, idiotS, and label the Republican Party
such.
The party bears responsibility for America's dangerous demise
by not ousting Trump. And that is, indeed, idiotic.
such.
The party bears responsibility for America's dangerous demise
by not ousting Trump. And that is, indeed, idiotic.
35
The idiot, then, is unconcerned with "common things," the idiot's time and energy taken up with "private things." Fine, but let's not forget that we live live in the post-solidarity age, when common things (e.g. our national parks, our shared air and water) are more and more presented as private things owned by the Putins and the Trumps of the world.
If these two are successful, they will be the world's first and second trillionaires, and with that all that was common will become private.
If these two are successful, they will be the world's first and second trillionaires, and with that all that was common will become private.
18
WE MUST STOP THIS.. the privatization of our sacred treasures & resources!!!!!!!! STOP TRUMP'S PIRACY!!!!!
Speaking of Trump and idiot, what is the number one thing people in red states think of the NYT when they recall the NYT's prediction of a landslide victory for H. Clinton? Idiots!
4
Idiot, if anything Donald Trump is not! He is a self loathing opportunist, will go to any extent to manipulate transaction to his advantage. In that he will disregard any pre considered norms of the game. His actions may appear 'idiotic ' to normal people but they are premeditated thoughtful and strategic moves to use situation to his advantage. The larger fallout of this are reasonable rationale Americans who will be consumed to figure his existence in Presidential office, while those who are his followers will eventually find the biggest scam pulled out by Trump on their behest- but by the time they realize it might be too late. The remaining will continue to blame the Worlds biggest and easiest punching-bag of all, the Washington DC.
5
I certainly HOPE this is not a veiled compliment??
No, it is not. Although President Trump might?