this post was submitted on 10 May 2026
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Ultimately, however, leftism is an intellectual position. It's typically held by people who are either well-read, or at minimum understanding of the concept of fairness for all people (which requires abstract thinking and a good theory of mind). Very few people believe in leftism due to stupidity. That's why it's in Republicans' best interest to keep people stupid.
Increasing intelligence of the general population would be a basal necessity for changing the economic system.
IQ is not a proxy for education, though. Raising intelligence without changing education wouldn't accomplish much. People are kept stupid by means of propaganda, regardless of their intellectual ability.
I think as it is now leftism is an intellectual position, but historically I don't think that's always been true, when leftist movements saw more broad popular appeal like during labor organizing there were definitely dumb leftists.
The reason it's in Republicans best interest to keep people stupid is that stupid people are much easier to propagandize to. Analyzing the information you're receiving helps make you less likely to fall for blatant lies. (Leftists know we need better propaganda, but it's also deeply cynical to think we need it.)
The reason it’s in ~~Republicans~~ the duopoly’s best interest to keep people stupid is that stupid people are much easier to propagandize to.
FTFY