Sitting at the beautiful wooden bar of Hennessy’s Irish pub in Mérida Yucatán, Sean Toland, Irishman from Donegal, philologist, philosopher, globetrotter and atheist -except for that cool autumn afternoon in 1988 when he first kissed Gabrielle, the love of his youth- took a small sip of his “New York sour” cocktail made with Kentucky bourbon and said to Emilio, Yucatecan journalist, broadcaster, great thinker and his usual drinking companion, who was about to take another generous swig of his Guinness:
—For me, there is no distinction between the imbecile, the moron, and the stupid. I know that linguistically, they are not the same, but in everyday life, for me, they are. The imbecile, the moron, and the stupid love to be the way they are. They show it loud and clear. They want everyone to realize how devastating their condition is.— Toland said as he now took a prolonged sip of his cocktail.
Emilio listened attentively and silently. His thoughtful gaze mirrored Sean Toland’s contemplative expression. He picked up his glass, wrapped in a cold embrace with a pearly blanket of crystalline dewdrops, sipped from his Guinness, and replied:
—You are right in saying they have much in common…but distance separates them. An imbecile can be somewhat innocent. Usually, foolishness is born of ignorance and recklessness. The moron is different. That person is stubborn and obtuse and does not understand what is being explained to him because he usually cannot see beyond his interests and scrutinize from the perspective of his needs. And then there is the stupid person. Those are another species; their deficit is social and logical. Their stubbornness prevents them from reasoning correctly. When they understand that they do not understand, they become fascinated, proclaiming how strident their stupidity is to the four winds.
These people try to normalize their stupidity, and the alarming truth is that there are millions of them. They exist in the past and the present. There are so many imbeciles, morons, and stupid individuals that they even manage to elect others who are just as imbecilic, moronic, and stupid, but even more vile and immoral.—
Sean Toland nodded. He took his last sip of the “New York sour” and, with a wave of his hand, asked for another. —We live in strange times, my friend. You are quite right, and now that I think about your words, I am convinced these individuals are different, yet harmful. But I don’t know who the worst of all is: the one who is imbecile, moronic, and stupid in one person, who is also proud of it, or the one who is and hasn’t even realized he is. I fear that that time is fast approaching when, as Fedor Dostoevsky said, “Intelligent people will be forbidden to think so as not to offend idiots.” So, let’s take advantage of the fact that we can still think, drink, and philosophize without offending anyone.—
Emilio looked at him, sighed, and replied with a hint of resignation: —Let’s not forget, Sean, that in this age of hypersensitivity, it is almost inevitable not to offend someone. Several people have already felt offended after reading this.—
They both nodded. They clinked their glasses as a toast and continued drinking.
For Times Media México / The Yucatan Times
José E. Urioste
Merida Yucatan
August 22, 2024
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José E. Urioste is a highly accomplished Yucatecan businessman and a seasoned professional in Business Intelligence, amassing over 25 years of experience, which has led him to serve on several boards of directors. In addition to his business acumen, Mr. Urioste’s writings are engaging and critical. Unafraid to tackle controversial topics and challenge prevailing norms with a clear and often unyielding perspective. He has significantly contributed to the media landscape, sharing his insights through articles and hosting radio shows that provide in-depth business, financial, and political analysis. His influence extends beyond the media, as he is a published author.
