What defines stupidity? Look at the picture; it will help you define it!!! It amazes me what people do and why they do it. What could possibly be going through the mind of the person on the tightrope? More to the point, why do this at all??? When I think of stupidity, I think of this chapter from the book of Acts...
WEB: Acts Chapter 8
[9] But there was a certain man, Simon by name, who used to practice sorcery in the city, and amazed the people of Samaria, making himself out to be some great one, [10] to whom they all listened, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is that great power of God.” [11] They listened to him, because for a long time he had amazed them with his sorceries. [12] But when they believed Philip preaching good news concerning the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. [13] Simon himself also believed. Being baptized, he continued with Philip. Seeing signs and great miracles occurring, he was amazed.
[14] Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, [15] who, when they had come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit; [16] for as yet he had fallen on none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of Christ Jesus. [17] Then they laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. [18] Now when Simon saw that the Holy Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, [19] saying, “Give me also this power, that whomever I lay my hands on may receive the Holy Spirit.” [20] But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! [21] You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart isn’t right before God. [22] Repent therefore of this, your wickedness, and ask God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you.
Simon was used to being a "somebody". People flocked to him as he performed his "magic". Then, he saw the power the Apostles of Jesus could bestow and wanted it. Why? Probably because he wanted Power and attention, but who really knows? Then, he did something really stupid; he tried to buy it from the Apostles. Bad move, bad motives, even worse results. He earned a rebuke and deservedly so. Consider that God has made everything and because of this, it all belongs to him. If HE already owns it, how could anyone think HE might accept human currency (whatever form it might take) in "payment"? Absurdity at its finest!!! When I think of it, it just makes me shake my head in amazement. That is one tightrope you couldn't get me on for anything under the sun. No way, no how, no matter what. But then again, I am not naturally stupid. Perhaps artificial intelligence is....