"Unintelligent people always look for a scapegoat"

Ernest Bevin’s assertion that “Unintelligent people always look for a scapegoat” casts a critical eye on a recurring aspect of human behavior and social dynamics. At its core, the remark suggests that a lack of intellectual rigor or critical thinking is often accompanied by an unwillingness to confront complex realities or personal shortcomings. When faced with challenges or failures, those lacking insight are prone to find external targets, scapegoats, on whom they can pin the blame instead of engaging in honest reflection or problem-solving.

Such behavior has deep psychological and sociological roots. Assigning blame elsewhere offers an immediate, though false, sense of resolution and security. It is simpler to reduce intricate problems to the actions of another individual or group than to grapple with internal flaws, systemic issues, or the multifaceted nature of life. The scapegoat becomes a vessel for frustration, anger, or fear, thereby shielding the accuser from the discomfort of self-examination or the demands of constructive action.

Historically, societies have often resorted to scapegoating in times of uncertainty, crisis, or decline. Economic hardship, social unrest, or political instability have frequently led to the persecution of minorities, outsiders, or dissenters as an expedient solution. Such tendencies reveal a failure of both reason and empathy. Rather than seeking understanding through dialogue and analysis, those Bevin refers to as “unintelligent” default to divisiveness and blame.

On a personal level, scapegoating can manifest in everyday relationships and workplaces, where individuals deflect responsibility to avoid accountability or embarrassment. This pattern not only undermines trust and cohesion but also hinders growth, both individually and collectively.

Ultimately, Bevin’s observation challenges us to embrace humility, intellectual honesty, and the courage to confront our own limitations. It urges a rejection of simplistic narratives and a commitment to deeper understanding, recognizing that true intelligence lies not in assigning blame, but in seeking solutions and shared progress.