Reader Reviews of Principles of Applied Stupidity:
[fyi-- yes, we were all sold out in early December, but the 3rd edition is finally here!]
By David Fonseca "Netmammal" (Winchester, MA USA) -
The author was the invited speaker at our Rotary luncheon recently, and based on his humorous talk, I bought this book. Well worth it.
Do you have a friend who always looks a bit odd; who says funny stuff even when they are not trying to; who you know does not balance his checkbook, but you would want them helping you in those worst pinches (at work or elsewhere)? That person is this book. It is wise in ways you can not put into words, and its laughing out loud fun to read too.
You'll have to simmer down your rule following left-brain when you read this though, it is a feast meant mostly for the right-brain non-conformist side struggling to get out of all of many of us. I found it best reading in little snatches (and its written for that.) The writing is rough, and uneven, but somehow that is part of the point of this book, because at its heart, this book walks its own talk. It does not have fancy editing, or formatting, and the author pretty much right-out tells you its because he ignored all of the rules for how one should write (and then publish) a book.
I wish this was the one book I was given as I entered the worst of my high-school years, and then again on that first job or two after college, when I was all so serious and afraid folks would figure out I was just as clueless as the next guy.
By Diogenes2000 (USA) -
This ranks on my bookshelf with "Parkinson's Laws", another humourous yet serious analysis of human individual and social behavior.
In addition to finding "Principles" witty and perceptive, I used it to real world effect during crucial business negotiations. After grudgingly acknowledging the power of applied stupidity, I not only adopted certain tactics but, more importantly, was able to inoculate myself against their use by others. My intellectual pride often precludes using "stupid" tactics, except of course with my spouse, as in: "Huh? I dunno. What? I didn't hear you. I don't wanna. Ok. Sorry, I forgot."
Another of Locke's postulates -on the virtues of being taught and inspired by incompetent practitioners verses accomplished & renowned masters- was perversely on the mark, in my own experience as both youthful and adult learner.
I am recommending this book to every smart person I know. Please, don't let anyone stupid know about it or they will continue to rule the world.
By J. Jacobs -
I was given this book by a close friend and at first glance, I thought it was being pawned off on me. My friend assured me, "Naw, you should read it, it's actually really good." It was a great read and I was fascinated by the stories of people who got ahead while the rest of us seem to wait in line believing there is a proper way to become successful. Even Speilberg just showed up on the Hollywood lot and pretended to be working...Wow, check it out....
By M. Singh "Freebee" (USA)
The book just flows with some of the greatest principles I have ever been exposed to. I really like it. Now I feel I have greater joy and understanding of more things, never everything.
By Jessica Robinson "JHR" (Boston)
Are you the smart guy (or gal) in the office who can't seem to get ahead? Losing in the office politics arena? You might be in need of some stupid principles. Start by taking a look at how you define smart and stupid and see how you can learn from acting stupid. Reading through the book will change how you see smart, stupid, and who holds power and why it's the case. Looking for some extraordinarily intelligent comments about stupidity? You've found the right book then. It'll change the way you look at the world.
Again, as of 12/1/09 we are temporarily sold out but expect more copies in by 12/15/09. If you wish, you can go ahead and order the book now and your order will ship as soon as more stock arrives! Thank you!
One of the smarter books on life, September 1, 2009
Witty & useful guide- when superior intelligence just isn't enough, May 19, 2009
A Suprisingly Good Read!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, March 6, 2009
Being stupid is not so sinister after all August 29, 2009
Not-So-Stupid Principles, November 27, 2008
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