DON'T BE AN IDIOT

Reframing “Idiot”

Today, “idiot” typically refers to someone lacking intelligence. Historically, the Greek idiōtēs described a private individual disengaged from civic life. By that definition, I’ve often encountered—and occasionally been—an idiot.

The Cost of Disengagement

Civic disengagement fosters intellectual stagnation. Isolation limits exposure to challenging ideas, favoring comfort over growth. While avoiding discomfort may seem prudent, intellectual discomfort is essential—it signals growth. Avoiding it halts learning and breeds ignorance.

The Temptation to Withdraw

Engagement is demanding, especially when met with emotional resistance. I’ve withdrawn at times, becoming an “idiot” in the classical sense—detached from community and the pursuit of truth.

A Personal Reckoning

During COVID, I succumbed to fatigue and fear-driven narratives. I stopped writing, arguing, and learning—failing to contribute meaningfully to my community or defend the center of public discourse.

Returning to the Fight

After a year of disengagement, I recognized the need to reengage. A man must choose: be difficult, lead difficult men, or become a hermit. Hermits are idiots. To lead, one must stand in the line of difficult men.

The Bottom Line

Disengagement is idiocy. Stay in the fight.