'Allegro Ma Non Troppo' in Korea

摘要

The late Carlo M. Cipolla, in his delightful booklet "Allegro Ma Non Troppo" detailed the Basic Laws of human stupidity. He warned that whenever a serious threat suddenly emerges against ourselves or our interests, our very first step shall consist in assessing whether the threat comes from a bandit - i.e., someone who is aiming at acquiring some illicit gain for himself by robbing us - or rather a stupid individual. The latter is defined as someone who would spread havoc and destruction all around him not in view of some nefarious plot, but simply because he is stupid. The implication is that stupid people are far more dangerous than bandits, because their actions are inherently irrational and it is thus impossible to foresee those in advance and implement the appropriate countermeasures.rnMr. Cipolla's warning is particularly appropriate, when nuclear weapons come into the play. For although the prospect of nukes in the hands of a bandit is not pleasant, still it is much safer than the same being controlled by a fool.