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The Cure for Stupidity: Using Brain Science to Explain Irrational Behavior at Work
You see stupidity everywhere. This book can fix that. This book will change your life. Every day you're driven nuts by the people around you making common sense errors and irrational decisions. Imagine what life would look like if you didn't have to waste time and energy dealing with stubborn, clueless, argumentative, defensive, or apathetic coworkers! Thank goodness Eric Bailey translates decades of brain science research into every-day language, helping you break through common communication barriers that will improve every relationship in your life. Whether you work in the executive suite or on the front-line, this book will teach you how to cure the stupidity all around you.
- GenresNonfiction
194 pages, Paperback
Published June 6, 2019
59 people are currently reading
249 people want to read
About the author
Eric M. Bailey
1 book10 followersEric M. Bailey is President of Bailey Strategic Innovation Group, one of the fastest-growing leadership and communication consulting firms in the US. Eric has a unique set of experiences that includes helping NFL Pro-Bowler Larry Fitzgerald pet a rhino, doing barrel rolls in an F-16, and chatting with LL Cool J on the campus of Harvard.
Eric created the Principles of Human Understanding™, a communication methodology based in brain science and psychology. Eric is a bestselling author and has been featured on Huffington Post and Forbes. His portfolio includes work with Google Inc, the US Air Force, Los Angeles County, Phoenix Police Department, and many more.
Eric created the Principles of Human Understanding™, a communication methodology based in brain science and psychology. Eric is a bestselling author and has been featured on Huffington Post and Forbes. His portfolio includes work with Google Inc, the US Air Force, Los Angeles County, Phoenix Police Department, and many more.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 7, 2019
WOW. Every office book club needs to read this book!! The concepts, strategies, and information make a massive impact on how individuals communicate. It has personally made me a better communicator at work and at home.
March 10, 2023
Good book Helps us think of things in a different way. I would suggest it. Eric Bailey is awesome
October 25, 2019
A Case for Communication
I have an interest in neuroscience; it fascinated me while I was in nursing school even though I didn't ultimately become a neuro nurse. So I was intrigued by this title when it showed up at one of my favorite book review sites. It is very easy to read compared to other books on the thought and communication. It felt almost too simplistic at times. But at least it is more accessible than many books I've read on the topic. In this book, the author explores concepts like perception, content, bias, and distractions. For me, this book felt too loosely woven together. It was hard to see the interrelationship between all the various parts of this idea. Because of my interest in neuroscience, this was not my first time hearing some of these concepts, so most were not new to me. I thought the title and the subtitle were a bit disingenuous, as neither really had much to do with the book itself. I didn't really make the connection between the content of the book and stupidity (although it could be argued that not understanding the basics of human engagement could lead to some stupid actions or decisions) nor did I feel that the book was very heavy into neuroscience, as I hoped it would be. Also, too, the subtitle states that this is about communication in the workplace; again, this didn't seem to be the major thrust of the book, which seemed more about the theories in general than a lot of practical information. The book at its core is about communication on a variety of levels, though. It is about aspects of thought and human behavior that can affect how we perceive, think, decide, and act. Despite some deficiencies, I did still find this to be a fascinating read. If you have an interest in communication, perception, or bias, this book might interest you.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
I have an interest in neuroscience; it fascinated me while I was in nursing school even though I didn't ultimately become a neuro nurse. So I was intrigued by this title when it showed up at one of my favorite book review sites. It is very easy to read compared to other books on the thought and communication. It felt almost too simplistic at times. But at least it is more accessible than many books I've read on the topic. In this book, the author explores concepts like perception, content, bias, and distractions. For me, this book felt too loosely woven together. It was hard to see the interrelationship between all the various parts of this idea. Because of my interest in neuroscience, this was not my first time hearing some of these concepts, so most were not new to me. I thought the title and the subtitle were a bit disingenuous, as neither really had much to do with the book itself. I didn't really make the connection between the content of the book and stupidity (although it could be argued that not understanding the basics of human engagement could lead to some stupid actions or decisions) nor did I feel that the book was very heavy into neuroscience, as I hoped it would be. Also, too, the subtitle states that this is about communication in the workplace; again, this didn't seem to be the major thrust of the book, which seemed more about the theories in general than a lot of practical information. The book at its core is about communication on a variety of levels, though. It is about aspects of thought and human behavior that can affect how we perceive, think, decide, and act. Despite some deficiencies, I did still find this to be a fascinating read. If you have an interest in communication, perception, or bias, this book might interest you.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
December 1, 2025
The Cure for Stupidity provides great insight into reality versus perception and how human relationships and communication operate on this basis. I loved this book because it was interactive and provided insight on how to properly communicate in a work environment and in life in general.
The book breaks down: The Observation Trap Principles, The Orientation Trap Principles, The Decision Trap Principles, and The Action Trap Principles. I love how this book introduces the brain as complex with highlighting that we aren’t necessarily wrong, we just have a different perception from the person we may be talking to.
The book dives into The Observation Trap with elements of the illusion of certainty—the fact that we are always certain that we are right. This bleeds into later topics in his book, but it is the fact that we always fight to be right in arguments versus seeing the other person’s perspective because being human means that we value winning arguments, even if it’s at the expense of someones feelings. He emphasizes that if you are looking to win an argument, that you should most likely step away from the argument. He also talks about switchtracking—a strategy or defense mechanism a person will utilize when asked a personal question, targeted to get a negative response.
The next section—The Orientation Trap dives into how humans innately want to be right all of the time and how, as I mentioned before, we make it a point yo win arguments. He also dives into fundamental attribution error which is explaining people’s behaviors based on situations. The author dives into the Napoleon Complex, also known as the “short man syndrome” that talks about how men that are shorter perceive themselves to not be worthy, so they use aggressive behaviors or overcompensation to try to combat this. The author went into how utilizing overcompensation of a stereotype that group puts on you could potentially emphasize that stereotype instead of hide it.
The third section— The Decision Trap Principles dove into OODA: Observe, Orient, Decide and Act. Additionally, the book dove into cognitive destruction and spoke about how technology is a great example of cognitive destruction because the pure distraction it has added to this generation with even having your phone on the table/desk during class, family time etc. you are not fully engaged. The book also goes on to say that multi-tasking is not good for the brain and that a lot of the tasks would be done faster with not multi-tasking. In fact, a lot of the “multi-tasking” we do is serial tasking.
The last section— The Action Trap Principles touched on how our brain loves patterns. It mentions on how our brain may see a car multiple times after it is brought to our attention or how our brain loves faces and to make inanimate objects have faces. Our fusiform gyrus is majorly responsible for facial recognition. This chapter also touches on how we assume there is one cause to one effect as humans and how this is incorrect because there is ultimately more than one.
Overall, this book was really well written and as someone who has read Crucial Conversations—I would say it’s a similar book with new perspectives and extra insight! I absolutely loved Crucial Conversations and I loved this book. It was well written and articulated! I think every young student should read this book!!
The book breaks down: The Observation Trap Principles, The Orientation Trap Principles, The Decision Trap Principles, and The Action Trap Principles. I love how this book introduces the brain as complex with highlighting that we aren’t necessarily wrong, we just have a different perception from the person we may be talking to.
The book dives into The Observation Trap with elements of the illusion of certainty—the fact that we are always certain that we are right. This bleeds into later topics in his book, but it is the fact that we always fight to be right in arguments versus seeing the other person’s perspective because being human means that we value winning arguments, even if it’s at the expense of someones feelings. He emphasizes that if you are looking to win an argument, that you should most likely step away from the argument. He also talks about switchtracking—a strategy or defense mechanism a person will utilize when asked a personal question, targeted to get a negative response.
The next section—The Orientation Trap dives into how humans innately want to be right all of the time and how, as I mentioned before, we make it a point yo win arguments. He also dives into fundamental attribution error which is explaining people’s behaviors based on situations. The author dives into the Napoleon Complex, also known as the “short man syndrome” that talks about how men that are shorter perceive themselves to not be worthy, so they use aggressive behaviors or overcompensation to try to combat this. The author went into how utilizing overcompensation of a stereotype that group puts on you could potentially emphasize that stereotype instead of hide it.
The third section— The Decision Trap Principles dove into OODA: Observe, Orient, Decide and Act. Additionally, the book dove into cognitive destruction and spoke about how technology is a great example of cognitive destruction because the pure distraction it has added to this generation with even having your phone on the table/desk during class, family time etc. you are not fully engaged. The book also goes on to say that multi-tasking is not good for the brain and that a lot of the tasks would be done faster with not multi-tasking. In fact, a lot of the “multi-tasking” we do is serial tasking.
The last section— The Action Trap Principles touched on how our brain loves patterns. It mentions on how our brain may see a car multiple times after it is brought to our attention or how our brain loves faces and to make inanimate objects have faces. Our fusiform gyrus is majorly responsible for facial recognition. This chapter also touches on how we assume there is one cause to one effect as humans and how this is incorrect because there is ultimately more than one.
Overall, this book was really well written and as someone who has read Crucial Conversations—I would say it’s a similar book with new perspectives and extra insight! I absolutely loved Crucial Conversations and I loved this book. It was well written and articulated! I think every young student should read this book!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2019
Unusual aspects of psychology. This book was a great surprise to me that it delivered such a high standard, level-headed, professional analysis of human behaviour and the traps we set against harmoniously communicating our points of view in order to be better understood or make the effort to better understand others. I don’t know if the author is an insightful businessman, a scholar of behavioural psychology or just someone with a great deal of lateral thinking and common sense. The book is not just a few pages of advice but full length, written in a professional language and style using vocabulary which is varied and topic-appropriate making the reader sit up and pay attention. The content provides a fresh look and perspective about how much we need to modify our thinking, our behaviour, and look at things from different points of view to avoid so much misunderstanding, and animosity towards and from others. It is very easy to read and would highly recommend this book for others to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 19, 2021
If there really a cure for stupidity in this day and age of information silos
Is there ever really a cure for stupidity? I mean one man's stupid is another man's rocket science. But I digress....The Cure for Stupidity is an interesting and intelligent book with an eye to trying to explain human behavior. You can't necessarily cure stupid and you sure aren't going to join them so the only thing you can try to do is understand it better so you stop driving yourself mad when confronted with it.
This book is an interesting read. I actually picked it up last year and read once and then have reread certain parts since. I personally think you could try to understand stupidity for a lifetime and still not get it.
I received a copy of this book for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
Is there ever really a cure for stupidity? I mean one man's stupid is another man's rocket science. But I digress....The Cure for Stupidity is an interesting and intelligent book with an eye to trying to explain human behavior. You can't necessarily cure stupid and you sure aren't going to join them so the only thing you can try to do is understand it better so you stop driving yourself mad when confronted with it.
This book is an interesting read. I actually picked it up last year and read once and then have reread certain parts since. I personally think you could try to understand stupidity for a lifetime and still not get it.
I received a copy of this book for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
October 20, 2025
Read this recently for an Athenian dialogue class. This is essentially a 6-hour book club that uses books to talk about leadership skills.
I enjoyed the book. I enjoyed some of his examples about foolish human behavior and how to be more patient and understanding with our coworkers. The book emphasizes the importance of communication.
I like the ideas of ways to include all the different voices not just the loudest ones.
There are some places about the book that are a bit dry and repetitive. however you will not find the cure for stupidity in this book some things can't be helped.
Overall I the book was enjoyable and I enjoyed the related discussion that was had.
I enjoyed the book. I enjoyed some of his examples about foolish human behavior and how to be more patient and understanding with our coworkers. The book emphasizes the importance of communication.
I like the ideas of ways to include all the different voices not just the loudest ones.
There are some places about the book that are a bit dry and repetitive. however you will not find the cure for stupidity in this book some things can't be helped.
Overall I the book was enjoyable and I enjoyed the related discussion that was had.
November 15, 2019
If I were a manager intoday's corporate world, I would make reading this book mandatory as part of training. I think that watching a course from Eric M. Bailey or having him as a speaker would be the most beneficial, but I think simply reading this book could cut down on so many daily issues that arise simply from the lack of communicating properly.
I love the way Eric writes in a no nonsense way while also teaching us in a simplified manner. I think that is very necessary.
Read this TODAY!
I love the way Eric writes in a no nonsense way while also teaching us in a simplified manner. I think that is very necessary.
Read this TODAY!
September 27, 2019
The Cure for Stupidity is an informative and insightful read that is sure to help everyone communicate better. Full of concepts and strategies that are easy to add into your everyday communication. *I received a complimentary copy from RABT Book Tours and the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. *
November 5, 2019
Eric M. Bailey has a way about his writing that puts the reader at ease from the very beginning. From the very first few paragraphs you read he shows us exactly what we will be getting from him and the book. I dare you to start and not want to read the entire thing ASAP!
This book is full of useful information without feeling daunting.
This book is full of useful information without feeling daunting.
November 7, 2019
This is an amazing book that helps people in so many. ways. I am just amazed by the insight offered by this author. I am using this book to help me in my job to be a better teacher and therapist. Awesome job.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 9, 2022
I seen the author present on a HR seminar and found his information interesting so I purchased the book. While much of the book was covered in the presentation it was also a good read. The nice part was it gave me the opportunity to review the information and digest the ideas. Some excellent points and a worthwhile read.
July 11, 2025
I really want a 2.5 star. I liked this one yet also found it easy to put down at times. The foundational part of the book is spot on: (in my own words) you don’t always know what people are going through or how they are approaching a situation: so listen and remember your own thoughts could be wrong.
October 16, 2023
Good content. Really a nice collection of concepts. The delivery style tried a bit too hard to be funny / relatable, but I'd recommend it to anyone wanting to reframe and understand themselves and their fellow humans.
April 9, 2024
It is very interesting to get learn about the thought process with conversation. We all think the same, but we all think differently.
The writing style was overwhelming at some points, but the author did make you think.
The writing style was overwhelming at some points, but the author did make you think.
July 17, 2025
This is one of those books that presents it's case in such a way that I was put slightly off kilter. It is definitely thought provoking and it provides practical nuggets to consider, to reframe your perspective.
September 15, 2019
I really enjoyed it. It makes you look at communication a little different. If everyone followed this approach the world would be a little happier especially in the workplace!
September 28, 2019
This book is awesome! It is also totally applicable to life outside the workplace.
August 2, 2023
Similar concepts to nonviolent communication. I enjoyed the straightforwardness of this book and the easy to follow examples/vignettes provided.
October 28, 2019
This felt like a text version of a day-long seminar. It was clearly written and broke down an extremely complex topic into digestible pieces, supported by relevant anecdotes that brought the concepts to life.
Personally, I feel I need to reread and take notes to get the most out of the content. Definitely recommend as a companion to other management books.
Personally, I feel I need to reread and take notes to get the most out of the content. Definitely recommend as a companion to other management books.
December 17, 2025
The title alone sparks curiosity, making it a book that I wouldn’t like to receive as a gift lol. However, the cure for stupidity is an amazing, thought-provoking read that actively engages readers in activities promoting self awareness. This book is perfect for those who are looking to enhance their professional development and interpersonal effectiveness.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews