In an era of intentional stupidity, the challenge for some is resisting the pull toward commonality, groupthink, herd cowardice, and the willful evolution toward maturity. Free will is at the core, as personal consciousness struggles for introspective assessment. No one knows what consciousness is. Many schools of thought offer all manner of conjecture. Within the schemes of alleged higher education, in the liberal arts, or as some call the "social studies arena," metaphysical adventures assert many points of view. More or less opinions, not based on science but instead on pseudoscience, four academic areas espouse a range of ideologies. In particular, these areas of study include: criminology, psychology, sociology, and theology. Each encompasses a subset of philosophical perspectives. In this discourse, the classical school of criminology is heavily favored. Others may disagree and hold different beliefs. Believe whatever one prefers.

     Beliefs ponder and plod the expanse of thoughts, exploring the real in complicity with the surreal. By contrast, pseudoscience and the real sciences (e.g., astronomy, biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, and quantum mechanics) search and stretch reality into different dimensions. Thinking deliberately flirts with two-dimensional (2D) thinking constraints rather than the complexities of three-dimensional (3D) thinking. Unfolding from streams of dreams and thoughts far beyond comes four-dimensional (4D) thinking and more. Yet pseudoscience struggles to meet scientific validity and a reliably consistent juncture. The debates and arguments are a work in progress. No definitive answers satisfy the never-ending series of inquiries. In efforts to understand, define, quantify, and explain human thinking, and with that, consciousness, the depths are murky. Nonetheless, beliefs based on chosen ideologies, as well as assessments of scientific assertions, continue to vary in plausibility. As used here, 4D is very interesting.

     However, the dangers are close, because stupidity resides in the confines of 2D thinking. It is primal at best and takes idiocy into areas across political and socio-economic interactions. Such is "flatlander" thinking, which relishes emotional reactivity rather than the profound dimension of critical thinking. 2D is about self-serving needs that become grossly materialistic in the premediated calculation of hedonistic intentions. Purposeful, deliberate, and willful, it is simplistic and superficial, intended to avoid responsibility and evade accountability. It manifests among those who choose not to grow up and act like mature adults. The adult child, masquerading as an adult, knows how to use deception to personal advantage.

     It is an era of "infantile narcissism" and collective regression; those who wish to be different find challenging obstacles everywhere. For those seeking to self-evolve, to become a well-differentiated intellectually ascending personality, conflict with others is inevitable. The courage to be disliked, criticized, marginalized, ostracized, and condescended becomes a solitary quest. Entering the 3D spectrum to find realms of 4D thinking and overcome the status quo requires serious open-mindedness. Critical thinking involves personal liberation from commonplace social constraints. Personal authenticity is of vintage cultivation. Intensifying the amative senses within the depths of consciousness, work to manifest the many-faceted contemplations of a strenuous personality mindset. For others, at the 2D level, the superficiality, the anxiety, the fear, the fits of infantile narcissistic behavior are laced with salacious distraction. Why be smartly different, liberated from the herd, when lazy self-indulgence is more gratifying?

     Distinguishing disparities could mean "keeping the watch." At its core is the notion of being vigilant about oneself and others. Noting the potency of libidinous energies, transforming the emergent urgency into proactive, meaningful actions is essential. To "keep the watch" is an age-old admonition. The "watcher" tries to avoid preconceived notions and assumptions not grounded in evidentiary substantiation. For instance, in the "forensic science" spectrum, such law enforcement tradecraft (LEO tradecraft) requires objectivity, which is seldom foolproof. In actual practice, all applications of "forensic science" are to be thoroughly tested, analyzed, and evaluated. Questions should be asked, such as whether it is science or pseudoscience? Inquiries are victim-centered and evidence-driven. Critical thinking is essential to this framework, and the construct of consciousness (CnS) transforms into critical thinking (CrT) with higher levels of interpersonal communication competence (IPC). Do actions follow the facts and fictions?

     Such is the "watcher", who not only sees but also observes. Emotional fusion in the mimicry of contrived consensus with groupthink is always avoided. This perspective should not be mistaken for some whimsical mythology of emotional reactivity. On the contrary, this is not adolescent, simple-minded rebelliousness, but rather a profound quest for personal transformation. Being a "watcher", or one who keeps the watch, is like the faithfully dedicated police officer who vigilantly protects others. This is a person who lives by an oath of office, a creed, or a code of conduct. With a healthy sense of skepticism, tempered by a hint of cynicism, the "watcher" is in pursuit of a deeper intellectual capacity. In an era of stupidity, such clownishness is quickly discerned and avoided. Magical thinking masquerading as science is exposed for its hypocrisy.

     Keeping the watch is personal. While trying to do that, one encounters all manner of "monsters from the Id." Internally and externally, such things become real until confronted. From the workplace to the playground, obstacles find a way. Bullies come in all shapes and forms to torture the fabric of fragile psyches. Their own fear and failures are easily transferable. Such lashes to the senses never end, for they manifest over time. The actions of profound self-evolution, the transition to higher states of enlightened maturity, a better version than the origin, require confrontation. Yet that is not sufficient to fully contemplate the depth of the necessity to become a well-differentiated transhuman species. Transformation is multidimensional and mysteriously cloaked in the darkness of persistent exploration. Its reality is outside the communal consensus, the acceptance and oppression of status quo mainstream normality.

     To the rage of each age, the conflict is relentless. In an era of stupidity, which is not new, the challenge is to work hard to evolve. Or not, self-centeredness is a hallmark of modern times. Many choose a "victim's code" and play the role of the whining, sniveling, malcontent. Yet transformation is simply said, not easily done, and often too hard. Why change when the carnality of ignorant arrogance pays off? Self-evolution is far more than superficial metaphors and convenient social memes. Incessant selfie posting is a signpost, and the essence is incomprehensible within contemporary conventionality. Normalcy is the misconception that the contrived consensus safeguards shallow mediocrity. For all the effort, the primacy of thinking resides at the core of the calling. Mentally, physically, and spiritually, the quest is dangerous. Others will criticize to satisfy themselves and glorify their amative dysfunction.

     Resilient, the valiant few, the "watchers" focus on pursuing the vast reaches of creativity. Insight digs deep into the primacy of mindfulness in thinking, embracing the darker side of oneself. From that perspective, there are many voices inside that multidimensional spectrum. Unity comes from a long, tiresome journey of seeking liberation in the independence of self-reliance. The furnace heats up, and flames spur the productive nature of deep prurient passions. While for most the darkness is shunned until the damage is done, the watcher is very different. From the pillars of salacious intentions, motivations pursue inventive productivity. Confronting an era of stupidity translates the primacy of thinking into a determined force of free-willed individuation. Moving from 2d, through 3D, and into 4D comprehension is private and personal. As such, choices cascade across a mysterious landscape of strange and amazing probabilities. From dreams to screams, necro-space waits with taunting gestures teasing from the blackness of unknown illumination.

     Stupidity is dangerously immature, intentional, and premeditated. The word itself can make a convenient acronym, such as S.T.U.P.I.D., which could stand for "Selfish, Timid, Unevolving, Pitiful, Irresponsible, and Deceptive." With profane superficiality, shallowness, and social stagnation, the selfish person strives to resist efforts to become well-differentiated through intellectual transformation. It is hard work to be smart. Fortunately, in postmodern society, there are those who strive to become a better version of the original. Yet, for most people, the allure of easy answers, quick fixes, feel-good memes, and narcissistic complacency is more palatable. Plenty of examples exist through social interaction. The mainstream media has plenty of representatives. Many more can be observed attempting acting roles, or as politicians, self-promoting their particular brand of ignorance. And, from one podcast or blog after another, an array of characters hawk their alleged expertise.

     Amid the diversity of foolhardy interactions, the challenge of open-minded, unfettered discourse reaches the brink of impossibility. Sometimes, those who remain committed to a self-evolving perspective seek an adult conversation grounded in facts, evidence, reason, and rationality. Above all, a well-balanced sense of maturity becomes an essential ingredient for interactivity. Nonetheless, all too frequently, bias and preconceived, speculative notions arise. Immaturity and self-centered fearfulness evoke emotional reactivity that precludes uninhibited, open-minded discussion. Instantly, "monsters from Id" are allowed to escape, and the looming specter of idiocy stifles the exploration of harsh realities. Broadly speaking, human nature scares itself. As such, the amative liberation of the senses, for mind-altering explorations and escape from social enslavement to contrived consensus, is frightening.

     Recent concerns highlight issues related to the decline in societal literacy. Not only the awkward rise of illiteracy, but also an affinity for anti-science. Cascading in a downward spiral toward the final slumber of the human species, multitudes acquiesce to the willful tyrannical oppressiveness of the status quo. Asserting the illusion of normalcy, censorship raises the illegitimacy of controlling speech and personal expression. That allusion to sleep is the looming probability of human extinction. Once again, though, there are those who resist. For them, individual vigilance and conscious action serve as catalysts for societal transformation. At the same time, the ruling mainstream of socio-political and economic interests, such as the mainstream media, the entertainment realm, and alleged higher education, promotes a low-level framework of thinking. Creativity is insulted by that which castigates the open exchange of ideas.

     In a wussy culture, cupcake feel-good pleasantries, quiet, safe places, and snowflake sensitivities provide a false sense of security for most people. Unfortunately, the reality of a dangerous world filled with grotesque, wrathful divisiveness lurks menacingly in the shadows. Soft, temperamental, and intellectually declining, many are not equipped to handle what some say is a looming massive catastrophe. Over a decade ago, a writer in a major business publication complained that a pampered “generation of sissies” had emerged in America. Spoiled, slothful, uneducated, overly sensitive, and constantly needing validation, coddled youngsters have not become very creative. Instead, there is an "influencer" who has the answers. Or a podcast or blog where a faux expert without realistic expertise offers endless opinions. Plus, in the trendy realm of AI (so-called "Artificial Intelligence"), quick and easy dubious answers are readily available. One study points out that over half the U.S. population reads at a middle-school level.

     Of serious concern are the skilled capabilities for critical thinking translated into exceptional interpersonal communication skills. The skill, precision, and profound nature of thinking are a demanding process of self-evolution. At the middle-school level of comprehension, profound multidimensional thinking becomes woefully problematic. Especially for those in the delirious enjoyment of delayed adolescence, late in adulthood, the adult-child social interactivity devolves to nightmarish possibilities. As culture regresses, within the social frameworks of a wussified society, everything is an offense, and dangerous temper tantrums escalate. For every reaction, oversimplification applies to every situation, with a conspiracy around every corner. Absent the excuse of demonic possession or an alien abduction, something or someone caused the “victim” to suffer an imaginary injustice. A crybaby’s feelings got hurt, and there are going to be acts of outrage for having to grow up and be a mature, responsible adult.

     For the brave few who resist the "bread and circuses" of a declining society, keeping the watch is essential for personal liberation. To "keep the watch" is a metaphor about attitude, temperament, vigilance, and fortitude, reflecting ancient codes or precepts of rightful conduct. The good tidings of joy fall upon those who strive to achieve wisdom and higher planes of enlightenment. Dealing with stupidity is constantly daunting. As challenging as it is in postmodern America, the inner self-discipline to keep the watch is a matter of asserting the exceptionality of personal free will. To assert oneself beyond the mundane, the boring, and the mediocre demands constant watchfulness. In a wussy culture, where overly sensitive, emotionally self-focused, and unevolving personalities tend to dominate trendy gimmicks, the watchers have much to safeguard.

     For those who seek to become well-differentiated and liberated individuals, individuality comes at a cost. Being different, unique, with the courage to be disliked, ostracized, and ridiculed, requires personalized bravery. The ascending few all manner of bullies, fuming with ridicule, condemnation, and debasing criticism. Bullying behavior, as an aspect of stupidity, never goes away, as it is perpetuated in many ways over time and place. From early schoolyard insecurities to later interactions in every corporate, governmental, or institutional setting, bullies find a way. Typically, for those who criticize, condemn, and complain, the basis for their subjective emotional reactivity stems from cowardly, egocentric arrogance of their own incompetence. For the sake of their own salacious dysfunctions and shortcomings, detractors will be spiteful in the wrath of their self-defeating mockery. In the jeering disdain for willful self-evolution, the bondage of selfishness devalues the necessity of individuation in personal maturity.

      In an era of stupidity, keeping watch over oneself is about the will to life and the persistence to be a free person, essential to going beyond strife and prevailing. Such uniquely amative impetus is a matter of personal inclination. From such proclivity, a wiser sense of belief, productively philosophical in nature, aspires to richer prospects of enlightenment. To guard against the chaos of status quo modernity and to shun the narrow-mindedness of widespread hubris and hypocrisy, a tough-minded perspective is essential. Mental alacrity encompasses a broad spectrum of intuitive aptitudes that facilitate a relentless, ongoing process of personal education. Transformation is essential. Becoming a transformed person is a willful act of “transhuman” individuation. Again, it is an echo of the matter of becoming a more profound and better version than the original organic template. It is a self-imposed personal makeover, an intentional renovation of oneself, and a devotion to a unified distinction that is not a simple undertaking.

     Negativity blares loudly. With purposeful disregard, the social spectrum is actively devolving into a self-serving free-for-all of stupidity. Widespread theatrics celebrate condescending performance artistry, in which the simple-minded by loudest rant win by default with little or no challenge. For the vast reaches of the marketplace of ideas, opinion has become fact, no matter how idiotic the assertion. Earned expertise by virtue of real-world time and effort, and wisdom fades to the shadows. Instead, wannabe unlearned fake experts claim the illegitimacy of their presence. From that comes a rising tide of idiocy, and thinking is outsourced to the artificial waves of the algorithm. Groupthink based on the disinformation of a landfill of internet gibberish is used to reinforce an era of stupidity and the challenge of evolving maturity.