Idiot
The vocabulary of insult is vast,
and it is perhaps only human
that there are a great quantity of words
that describe mental deficiency.
Psychologists have tried
to make objective use of several of the terms,
as follows:
MORON- is only mildly deficient,
and can perform useful work
under close supervision.
It is derived from the Greek word ‘moros’
meaning ‘stupid’.
IMBECILE- now more seriously retarded
is the imbecile,
who cannot be trusted to do useful work
even under the closest supervision!
Imbecile is derived from the Latin words
‘in’ (not) and ‘baculum’ (staff)-
someone who can’t get along without a staff.
In an imbecile’s case, without mental help!
IDIOT- now the most seriously retarded
is the idiot.
He is not capable of connecting speech,
and cannot protect himself
from even the most ordinary dangers in life!
The word is derived
from the most political people in history-
the ancient Greeks.
Concern with public affairs was greatly desired back then.
‘Idios’ means ‘private’.
So one who was concerned only with his private affairs
was deficient, and was known as an ‘idoites’.
You can see what a low regard
the ancient Greeks had for such sorts!
FOOL- derived from the Latin word ‘follis’
which means ‘bellows’.
So a fool, though loud, is full of empty air!
STUPID- from the Latin ‘stupere’, meaning ‘speechless’.
INTELLIGENT-
So between being a fool and being stupid,
for one to be intelligent,
one’s words must be neither too few or too many!
Author notes
Based on 'Words of Science' by Isaac Asmov
Written March 29th, 2005
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Comments
1 - 11 of 11
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IDIOTISM - not a word, but it mens the science of idiots... great stuff to read! had on the floor (really) laughing, and everyone around me giving me wierd looks *sigh* Thanks for your comment on the final chapter! another person who read it said it was pejorative (???) which means having an insulting or critical sense...whatever that means...anyway, good luck judging all that stuff!!
~
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very cool poem
I love the topic, and the wording and the pics!! they're perfect...only thing, I'm not even sure if this is a poem...it sounds more...I don't know. but it doesn't sound like a poem...just like a writing piece. but a brilliant writing piece 
much love Amritha
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Interesting poem which was quite funny and well written, I can never get used to calling morons who's name sounds like morons idiots though (to name a few Michael Moron, Al Goron, my history teacher
) Keep writing, this was a really funny and well written poem 
Thanks for your comment
All the best,
Pozo
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heh that was great and i learned something. the pictures make it fun. good job!
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I think I know a few of these people! In fact, I think they cross my path every single day... I'll bet they do yours as well, huh? I saw the title of this and couldn't help myself. Your name as author and click... it's an addiction. Thanks for the read, as always!
♥ Kimberly -
Loved the premise of this piece...you have obviously heard the old saying....better to keep silent and be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt....great write...blessed be, greeneyd
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This was a cool idea for a write. Enjoyed reading and the pictures that you used to go along with the words you were defining were great. That really inhanced the feel to the descriptions of the words. especialy for moron:
MORON- is only mildly deficient,
and can perform useful work
under close supervision.
It is derived from the Greek word ‘moros’
meaning ‘stupid’.
the pic was perfect for it LMAO-Amy
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In the section refering to IMBECILE you have used the word Moron is this a mistake or am I just an Idiot?
I would have to say this was stupendous! Doh -
Beautiful poem. Thanks for sharing. It's amazing we have more words to describe stupidity than we do to describe intelligence. Oh well, such is our society! Always looking for the bad instead of the good!
Thank you for sharing! -
"Moron is derived from the Latin words ‘in’ (not)
and ‘baculum’ (staff)- someone who can’t get along
without a staff"
I believe that was an honest and unintended mistake. right?
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this is cool. amazing how these words that don't really make a difference in our vocabulary can actually mean a lot of things far greater than we give them credit for. and it's scary. i wouldn't want to be called any of this ever again. well, except for intelligent, where i guess i would hardly fit.
Keep writing
Kannika -
I liked the whole ideo of this poem.
Good thoughts, and I like the way you put the descriptions.
It was a good idea in general.
Good job.
*Kat*
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