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Dumb vs Dumbass Decision Framework
A framework distinguishing between lack of intelligence (dumb) and poor judgment despite intelligence (dumbass). Dumb means lacking cognitive ability, while dumbass means having intelligence but consistently making poor decisions.
How It Works
Smart people can make terrible decisions due to ego, impulse, or lack of empathy rather than lack of capability. The framework helps identify whether poor outcomes stem from incompetence or bad judgment.
Components
Assess baseline intelligence/capability
Identify pattern of decision quality
Determine if failures stem from knowledge gaps or judgment lapses
Apply appropriate intervention
When to Use
When evaluating leadership failures, hiring decisions, or assessing whether someone can improve their decision-making
When Not to Use
When dealing with technical skills assessment or genuine capability gaps that require training
Anti-Patterns to Avoid
Example
“A brilliant CEO who understands business fundamentals but repeatedly makes public relations disasters by insulting customers on social media - they're not dumb, they're being a dumbass”
Related Knowledge
Handle public employee termination situations without legal and PR disasters
Employee termination handled with dignity, no legal exposure, minimal negative PR, company reputation protected
public_employee_humiliation_failure
Revealed Preference Assessment
Evaluate people's true beliefs and priorities by observing their actions rather than listening to their stated positions
Money continues to increase happiness well beyond basic needs
Wealth accumulation is a rational happiness optimization strategy
elon's not dumb but he's a dumbass and there's a big difference
Intelligence and good judgment are separate capabilities - smart people can consistently make terrible decisions
anytime a rich person tells you money doesn't make you happy just ask them for their money
People's actions reveal their true beliefs better than their words - if money truly didn't matter, wealthy people would