Homo Idioticus

We humans, have the most sophisticated brainpower in the animal kingdom but behave incredibly erratically. Despite our ability to split atom, re-engineer DNA and send people to Mars, in our daily lives we often act incredibly… stupid, even when having perfect access to information to make the right decisions.

Understanding this paradox and its causes became a bit of an obsession for me and led me to write “Homo idioticus”. This book is the work of love, a friendly, funny, yet rigorous analysis of our stupidity explained in a comforting belief that “we are all in it together”. When I say “we are stupid,” I wholly include myself in this statement.
You and I should not be afraid of admitting foolhardiness as many respectable people – from Isaac Newton and Steve Jobs to Mozart, Gandhi and Angela Merkel – have made terrible, stupid, decisions too.

It is a part of being human. So maybe it would be more appropriate if we called ourselves “Homo idioticus” rather than “Homo sapiens”…

„This will be a longer blurb from someone recommending the book, who wishes to share their thoughts for its content.”

Name Surname, who from where

Homo Idioticus by Cezary Pietrasik is the perfect guide for anyone who’s ever wondered how humanity can invent space travel yet still argue that the Earth is flat. Equal parts hilarious and horrifying, this book dives into our collective genius – and our baffling stupidity – with wit sharper than Occam’s razor. Packed with wild facts, sobering truths, and just the right dose of hope, it’s a must-read for anyone ready to laugh, cringe, and maybe even learn how to save us from ourselves.

Monique Giggy, Singularity Ventures

Look around and you will see human stupidity everywhere. We are not Homo sapiens or Homo economicus; we are Homo idioticus.

Can you believe that:
– 10% of Americans use their phones during sex
– 40% of Americans reject the theory of evolution
– Nearly 40% of the world’s population has not completed high school
– 86% of American teens cannot differentiate between fact and opinion
– IQs in developed countries have been declining since 1995

Drawing on examples ranging from military blunders to societal norms, Homo idioticus critiques our susceptibility to misinformation and poor judgment. It delves into the roots of this idiocy, from biology and societal norms to systemic flaws, using vivid historical and modern examples to illustrate our follies. With humor, compelling anecdotes, and a clear sense of urgency, the book challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths about human behavior. It also provides inspiring strategies to overcome these pitfalls, championing ideas for fighting our own stupidity.

In Homo Idioticus, renowned economist, investor, and entrepreneur, Cezary Pietrasik, explores the paradox of human intelligence and irrationality, revealing how our brains—designed for survival on the savannah—struggle in the modern world.

Through a compelling three-part examination, you’ll discover:
How?: Societal, political, echnological and economic factors that have led to and perpetuate our irrational behavior.
Why?: A combination of deep-seated biological, psychological, sociological and institutional factors that limit our cognitive ability and lead to suboptimal decision making.
What to do about it?: Practical, actionable strategies to foster smarter decision-making on both individual and societal levels – and save humanity from its own self-destruction.

With eye-opening historical examples, research-driven insights, and a thoughtful multidisciplinary approach, Homo Idioticus offers a profound exploration of how humans can be their own worst enemies—and how we, both individually and collectively, can fight back. A must-read for anyone interested in a better future for ourselves and for generations to come.