"An economist explores the five laws that confirm our worst fears: stupid people can and do rule the world"-- Throughout history, a powerful force has hindered the growth of human welfare and happiness: human stupidity. Cipolla, a professor of economic history, seeks to help you detect and neutralize its threat. His serious yet humorous remarks help readers become better equipped to confront political realities, unreasonable colleagues, or your next dinner with your in-laws. -- adapted from back cover Provided by publisher.

"Doubleday.com 4/2021"--Page 4 of cover. "Originally published in Italian ... by Società editrice il Mulino, Bologna, in 1988 ... Originally published in English as The basic laws of human stupidity by Società editrice il Mulino, Bologna, in 2011, and subsequently in Great Britain by WH Allen, an imprint of Ebury Publishing, a divison of Penguin Random House Ltd., London, in 2019."--Title page verso.

The first basic law -- The second basic law -- A technical interlude -- The third (and golden) basic law -- Frequency distribution -- Stupidity and power -- The power of stupidity -- The fourth basic law -- Macro analysis and the fifth basic law.