I asked google why smart people do dumb things, here is what it's AI answered. Socrates had come up in earlier answer.

[Swede]

Last edited Sat Dec 6, 2025, 03:41 PM - Edit history (1)

In ancient Greek philosophy, the concept you are referring to is likely amathia, which translates to ignorance or "intelligent stupidity". This philosophical idea, particularly explored by Socrates and the Stoics, relates to a fundamental lack of self-knowledge and an absence of wisdom regarding the true nature and values of life, which impacts the soul. 

Amathia: Ignorance of the Soul Definition of Amathia: Amathia is not merely the absence of factual knowledge, but a deeper, more profound form of ignorance. It is described as "knowledge instilled into the soul by bad upbringing and bad education" or a "refusal to understand" one's true condition.

Impact on the Soul: In Greek thought, the psychē is the term for "soul" or "mind". Amathia means a person can be highly intelligent in a conventional sense (e.g., in a specific field like science or commerce) but remain profoundly ignorant of their own divine identity, true purpose, and spiritual reality.

The Socratic View: Socrates famously linked evil actions to this form of ignorance, suggesting that people commit evil not because they are inherently bad, but because they are ignorant of what is truly good for their soul. Realizing one's own ignorance "I know that I know nothing" was the first step toward acquiring true knowledge (gnosis) and purifying the soul.

Consequences: This ignorance leads individuals to focus on material things, physical bodies, and worldly desires, rather than seeking self-knowledge and the betterment of their psychē, a process described as "the winnowing of the soul". In summary, amathia describes a state where an individual is unaware of their own spiritual identity and potential, leading to actions and beliefs that work against the well-being and true purpose of the soul.