Careful Words

stupidity (n.)

  Sherry is dull, naturally dull; but it must have taken him a great deal of pains to become what we now see him. Such an access of stupidity, sir, is not in Nature.

Samuel Johnson (1709-1784): Life of Johnson (Boswell). Vol. ii. Chap. ix.

  A little folly is desirable in him that will not be guilty of stupidity.

Michael De Montaigne (1533-1592): Book iii. Chap. ix. Of Vanity.

Against stupidity the very gods

Themselves contend in vain.

Schiller (1759-1805): The Maid of Orleans. Act iii. Sc. 6.