Thank you for sharing “how not to be dumb”, love this! What a shame these words need to be said. Forming opinions by educating oneself, listening to others views, to find the best of both worlds — utilizing the best ideas and talents others have to offer to help create the best solutions in politics, medicine, science, education, art and personal growth is a lost dimension for many. For those of us who try to teach by example and recognize the need to learn, share and create we continue to do so in hopes our children and grandchildren learn, grow and have better lives than what we left behind despite the “dumb”.