A Short Introduction to the History of Human Stupidity

A Short Introduction to the History of Human Stupidity by Walter B. Pitkin. Simon & Schuster, New York, 1932. Third printing. An ambitious and provocative examination of human irrationality, intellectual limitations, and the recurring failures of judgment that have shaped civilization, written by the American psychologist, philosopher, and Columbia University professor Walter B. Pitkin (1878–1953). Combining psychology, history, philosophy, and social criticism, Pitkin investigates the causes and consequences of human stupidity, examining the influence of ignorance, emotional impulses, prejudice, habitual thinking, and failures of intellectual and social adaptation upon individual behavior and collective decision-making. Drawing upon examples from political history, education, religion, economics, and everyday life, the author considers why intelligent individuals and sophisticated societies repeatedly engage in destructive or irrational conduct. A substantial and characteristic work of early twentieth-century popular psychology, reflecting the period's fascination with intelligence, mental efficiency, and the scientific study of human behavior. Of particular interest to collectors of intellectual history, historical psychology, social philosophy, and unusual works of cultural criticism. Hardcover in publisher's original red cloth with spine lettering. Considerable rubbing and wear to the spine and extremities, with fraying and cloth loss at the spine head and wear along the joints and corners. No dust jacket. Interior shows age toning consistent with publication date.…