We discussed Derik’s new book “Stupid is the New Smart: Why Being Stupid Is Your Greatest Advantage in the Age of AI” (2026).
Description: “Stupid Is the New Smart is your guide to dropping the performance of intelligence and embracing the babo mindset - the willingness to say ‘I don’t know’, to stay open and curious instead of defensive and clever. You’ll discover why overthinking and image management are quietly destroying people’s happiness, and how letting go of that fear unlocks speed, creativity, better relationships, and genuine peace of mind… this book shows you exactly why the people who are most comfortable looking stupid are the ones who will thrive in the age of superintelligence. This isn’t about becoming dumber. It’s about finally being free.”
Giulio loves the book and adds that you should feel totally free to practice The Noble Art If Doing Nothing And Not Giving A Fuck (TM) anytime you need to recharge. You wouldn’t blame a machine for refusing to run without power, and therefore you shouldn’t blame yourself either. Also, the weight of the world doesn’t rest on your shoulders.
We also exchanged other thoughts on artificial intelligence (AI), metaphysics, the future of humanity (that is, humans and AIs) among the stars (but perhaps it is the AI part of humanity that will expand to the stars), and Plato’s Cave as a metaphor (or perhaps more than that). This took us into simulation hypothesis territory, exploring which is always interesting and fun.
