[Avodah] Assur to be Stupid

[Richard Wolberg]

It should be pointed out that the word "stupid" is being used as "ignorant."
There is a big difference between "ignorant" and "stupid." 
Though the dictionary may not make the distinction, it has been taught that "ignorant" means lack of knowledge of something.
It also means uneducated. So if halacha says you must learn, then it can be assur to be ignorant. 
But even that begs the question. We are all ignorant in some areas.

"Stupid" on the other hand means "lacking common sense" and doing things that are associated with lacking common sense.
If you see a vehicle driving at a high rate of speed and you step out in front of it thinking you will avoid it, then you have done
something very "stupid."
This reminds me of the misuse of the word "dumb." Dumb means unable to speak most typically because of congenital deafness.

All the years I have taught, I have always told my class there is no such thing as a "stupid" question.
The "stupid" thing is not to ask.

May our ignorance decrease and our stupidity overcome by good judgment. 

ri