"Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives"

John Stuart Mill's statement draws a nuanced distinction between political affiliation and individual intelligence. He begins by rejecting the simplistic and unfair notion that to be conservative is inherently to lack intelligence. Doing so acknowledges the presence of thoughtful, rational individuals among conservatives, many of whom arrive at their political beliefs through genuine reflection and a principled approach to social and moral questions.

However, Mill adds a provocative observation: within the group he labels as "stupid people", there is a notable tendency to gravitate towards conservatism. This assertion invites consideration of the social and psychological mechanisms that might underpin such a tendency. Conservatism, particularly in the era of Mill, was closely tied to the preservation of existing hierarchies, traditions, and structures of authority. For those less inclined or less equipped to engage with the complexities of change or abstract reasoning, conservatism might offer a comforting anchor. The familiar, the traditional, or the established can seem safer and less demanding of intellectual engagement than progressive ideologies, which often require critical thought, adaptation, and openness to new possibilities or uncertainties.

Mill’s remark can also be read as an early reflection on political psychology. People who are less willing or able to challenge convention may be more comfortable with the certainty and stability that conservatism promises. On the other hand, progressivism or radical thought often calls for re-evaluation of long-held beliefs, skepticism towards authority, and intellectual flexibility, traits more associated with higher levels of critical reasoning.

Yet, Mill is careful not to equate stupidity and conservatism wholesale, avoiding the trap of elitism or prejudice against conservative thought. His observation functions instead as a sociological hypothesis, offering insight into the demographic patterns of political allegiance. Ultimately, the quote balances acknowledgment of diversity within political ideologies with a critical understanding of the psychological comforts that might make conservatism appealing to a less critical or less intellectually engaged populace.