When Being Dumb Became Cool (And Why That’s a Problem for Your Health)

Nick Howarth

Published on: 20/12/2025

At some point—and we should probably put up a historical plaque for it—being dumb became fashionable. For most of the 20th century, competence had status. Teachers were respected. Scientists were admired. Engineers built things that lasted longer than a TikTok trend. Journalists actually asked uncomfortable questions. Even television reflected this reality: sitcoms revolved around problem-solving, learning lessons, and occasionally growing as a human being.