Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results –Albert Einstein
T he Philippine-American Society of Pundits, Humorists And Wags (PASPHAW) decided to conduct a survey of some 3,000 Filipino-American voters in all the 50 states. The survey was done as many people, especially his Republican critics, are saying that Donald Trump is insane. Although other people, especially some Democrats, are saying that Mr. Trump is actually stupid.
The PASPHAW cites in its poll Robert J. Sternberg, who says that “many politicians act in ways that are stupid despite indications of general intelligence.” He argues that “there is an inherent psychological drive causing some acts of stupidity.” (Reference: Sternberg, Robert J. “Why Smart People Can Be So Stupid,” 2003, Yale University Press.)
But there is a saying in Sorsogon Province, Philippines (and Samar Island, too, per Prof. Cesar Torres of the University of the Philippines), about lunacy and stupidity. The Filipino adage says, “It is better to be crazy than be stupid.” Why? “Because crazy people have lucid intervals and there are now medicines for them. But there is no cure for stupidity.”
Perhaps friends of Mr. Trump and his Republican supporters should give them a copy of Robert Sternberg’s book as a Labor Day gift.
The PASPHAW’s Survey
The PASPHAW says that it conducted an informal and unscientific survey among 3,000 Filipino-American voters.
The irreverent PASPHAW poll takers say that one-third of the survey respondents say that Mr. Trump is not crazy but only stupid.
Then the PASPHAW found out in its survey that another one-third said that Mr. Trump is not stupid, as he is simply crazy.
The final one-third of the people surveyed said that Mr. Trump is crazy but appears stupid during his lucid intervals.
Perhaps somebody should rewrite Albert Einstein’s “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” Should it read: “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting the same stupid results during the insane person's lucid intervals”? # # #
