There is SO much stupidity in the world. Yet the world, remarkably, goes on. That’s why I’m an optimist, not a pessimist.

The key to understanding it: The competent, the thoughtful and the capable, while a minority, matter more than the incompetent, the mindless and the inept. Good matters more than bad.

As long as the good and the productive remain strong and self-confident — this is the key — then all will, for the most part, be well.

The moment the good, productive and thoughtful start apologizing for what they are and making concessions to the stupid is the moment we start on the road to trouble. That’s why it’s important not to be afraid. Don’t apologize for your strengths or your virtues. Wear them proudly and, if necessary, defiantly. Stupidity — and there’s a LOT of it out there — fears and dreads this. That’s a good thing.

Follow Dr. Hurd on Facebook. Search under “Michael Hurd” (Rehoboth Beach DE). Get up-to-the-minute postings, recommended articles and links, and engage in back-and-forth discussion with Dr. Hurd on topics of interest. Also follow Dr. Hurd on Twitter at @MichaelJHurd1, and see “Michael Hurd” on MeWe.