My former boss and I still laugh when we talk about an episode in Chicago many years ago. We met with an important business contact. Already pretty tired from the flight, having lost my luggage and done some panic shopping, we were having dinner with him at a steak house.

The business man kept telling us that he was not an idiot. His goal was clearly that we should succeed at our presentation the day after and he gave us all possible insight in his organization and team. But he was not an idiot you know.

Yesterday I was attending this business network meeting and was inspired to ask a couple of questions and comment during a two hours interactive seminar. I tried to be relevant, serious and not too talkative. And then I stopped. Sometimes I just need to stop talking.

Later on at the train station a young man came up to me. He was clearly not one of the attendees at the meeting. He said: “I am a drug addict. And also I am not the smartest guy.” “Really?” I gave him a small amount of money and wished him luck.

The other day I was at the gym and the young instructor told me he wasn’t the sharpest knife in the drawer. Literally.

And I am thinking: What is it with young men these days? Have we completely removed all self esteem from them or are they in fact stupid?

“Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent,
and discerning if they hold their tongues.”

Just shut it.