I just ran a MAGA guy out of a cafe without trying

[kgray96057]

27. Thintelligence

In the original Jurassic Park novel, Michael Crichton coined a term that aptly describes this mind set: "They have what I call "thintelligence." They see the immediate situation. They think narrowly and they call it "being focused." They don't see the surround. They don't see the consequences."

He was referring to the engineers who designed and built the park. I have borrowed the term to apply to anyone who looks at a narrow- and bias confirming- view of a situation, and reacts only on that basis. To someone who takes it as read that what they hear or read or see, via media targeted to their existing beliefs, represents the only important information in a given situation. Someone who does not check other sources for confirmation, or look at primary sources- if possible- for verification.

Of particular note, when the thintelligent are confronted about this, they invariably double down on their ignorance. They don't accept the proven error and lean from it, they reject the correction.

Thintelligence is amazing, when encountered. Younger me used to wonder how people got through a day like this. Older me... thinks it must be damned comforting to live in their world. The one where they're right about important matters- and everything worth their attention confirms it.