Society thrives on conformity. It praises obedience, celebrates surface-level knowledge, and rewards those who follow rather than think. “The masses are the dumb asses” isn’t just an insult; it’s an observation rooted in history, psychology, and everyday life.

People love comfort. Thinking critically is uncomfortable. Questioning narratives risks alienation. Most would rather echo headlines than read the research behind them. They choose slogans over substance because it’s easier. This is why propaganda works, advertising thrives, and populism rises repeatedly – because masses don’t want truth; they want emotional satisfaction.

Look at voting patterns, social media trends, or consumer choices. Companies sell sugar water as happiness. Politicians sell empty promises as change. Influencers sell narcissism as empowerment. And it works. Because most don’t pause to ask, “What am I really buying here?”

History shows us mobs burning scientists, silencing writers, or cancelling thinkers who challenge the status quo. Galileo was imprisoned for telling the truth about the solar system. Socrates was forced to drink poison for corrupting the youth with… critical thinking. Every era has its examples. People despise what disrupts their convenient worldview.

This doesn’t mean individuals are unintelligent. Many are brilliant within their domains. But collectively, humans act like herds: reactive, emotional, and easily manipulated. They adopt beliefs that fit their social group, not necessarily those grounded in reason or evidence. Tribalism still drives behaviour more than rational analysis.

Is there a solution? Perhaps. Education that teaches how to think, not what to think. Media literacy. Personal humility to question one’s own assumptions. But these are uphill battles in a world that profits from mass ignorance.

Calling the masses “dumb asses” sounds harsh, but sometimes harsh truths are needed. It’s not about belittling people. It’s about recognising that if society keeps rewarding ignorance and punishing independent thought, mediocrity will remain the norm.

In the end, whether the masses remain dumb asses or rise above will depend on the courage of individuals to stand apart, think for themselves, and refuse the comforting lies spoon-fed daily.