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Originally Posted by spence
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Merriam-Webster Definition of stupid
1
a :slow of mind

btuse
The speed of mind (whatever that is) does not, in itself, prevent right or wrong, good or bad, decisions or ideas. Given the right (good) info, a slow mind can make a good decision. Or, given wrong info the slow mind, or fast mind, can make a bad decision
b :given to unintelligent decisions or acts :acting in an unintelligent or careless manner
If intelligence is defined as "one's capacity for logic, understanding, self-awareness, learning, emotional knowledge, planning, creativity, and problem solving . . . more generally described as the ability or inclination to perceive or deduce information, and to retain it as knowledge," it would require good info to gather and retain knowledge that is beneficially useful. An "intelligent" person (Lenin for example) whose knowledge is composed of bad info would necessarily have bad knowledge, which would be considered "stupid" because it would lead to harmful or destructive or useless or "unintelligent" decisions or acts.
c :lacking intelligence or reason :brutish
Don't know how one can lack intelligence other than either your mind being filled with bad info or your brain being functionally, physically deficient (which would be a result of its receptors not receiving sufficient or good info).
2
:dulled in feeling or sensation :torpid still stupid from the sedative
Again, for whatever reason, being physically unable or disabled from receiving signals (info) relating to actual conditions.
3
:marked by or resulting from unreasoned thinking or acting :senseless a stupid decision
Reason requires information. Bad info leads to bad reasoning.
4
a :lacking interest or point a stupid event
It requires info to create "interest" or "point." No info leads to no interest or point. Ergo, an event about which there is no info, or bad info could be considered a "stupid" event.
b :vexatious, exasperating the stupid car won't start
This is totally a colloquial expression. A car is not actually stupid, it is inanimate. Metaphorically, however, it won't start because it's "brain" (its mechanism) is not receiving the mechanical signals (info) in order to function properly. And the ensuing exasperation of the would be driver results from his immediate inability (lack of knowledge or info) to make the car start. He emotionally blames the car, but eventually settles down and gets help from those who have the proper info to get the car working.
So, yes, bad info which includes lack of info (which is a bad thing) is the cause of most stupidity.