Throughout history, a powerful force has hindered the growth of welfare and happiness: Human stupidity. You may have already suspected this, but economist Carlo Cipolla wants to help you detect and neutralize its threat. Both hilarious and dead serious, this guide may leave you better equipped to confront political realities, unreasonable colleagues, or your next dinner with your in-laws. A philosopher who isn't stupid at all, Nassim Nicholas Taleb provides the foreword.