▪ Why would a brilliant neurosurgeon drive 138 miles per hour on a city street where the posted speed limit is 45, ultimately crashing and killing his passenger?

▪ What prompts a convicted felon, who cannot legally possess a firearm, to carry one through airport security and then to fire the weapon when he’s caught?

▪ How could a biology professor continue importing endangered wildlife specimens without declaring them after being warned three times by customs officials?

Learn to recognize them, assess their risk, and protect yourself!

The Quintessence of Dipsh*ttery

Dipsh*ts are people whose behavior in a given situation is both stupid and despicable.

A Taxonomy of Dipsh*ts

The Ten Laws of Dipsh*ttery

1. Inside every person is a dipsh*t trying to get out.

2. Underestimate the destructive potential of dipsh*ts at your own peril.

3. Although sometimes unavoidable, it is always a mistake to interact with dipsh*ts.

4. When in doubt always assume that a dipsh*t is the chronic type unless there is

good reason to believe otherwise.

5. A dipsh*t is as likely as anyone else to be his or her own victim.

6. Whom the gods wish to destroy, they first make a dipsh*t.

7. Do not attribute to malice that which can be explained by dipsh*ttery alone.

8. As dipsh*ts increase numerically, dipsh*ttery multiplies exponentially.

9. Any well-meaning attempt to intervene with a dipsh*t is likely to result in the intervention

itself devolving into dipsh*ttery (see third law).

10. Dipsh*ttery is a force of nature which cannot be eradicated or cured.

Turn up sound!

About the Author

Dale Hartley is a retired professor and university dean, and is a frequent contributor to Psychology Today, where his blog has generated over 3.5 million page views to date. Dr. Hartley became a psychologist and professor after the Great Recession of 2008 ended his business. He is the former CEO of Lionhart Group, Ltd., which provided education and counseling services to military personnel in 14 states and Puerto Rico. He lives in New Mexico. Dr. Hartley loves all dogs, especially bulldogs and underdogs...but he doesn't suffer dipsh*ts gladly.

New Mexico license plates specify “USA” after the state’s name. This is to enlighten dipsh*ts who don’t know that the “Land of Enchantment” is a state. New Mexico magazine reports anecdotes each month of encounters with people who think this state is a foreign country.

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