Thu, 16 Apr 2026 09:16:13 +0000

They Called Them ‘Idiots’—Scientists Just Exposed the Surprising Lifespan of People Who Think So! When scientists dug into the lives of those often dismissed as “idiots,” they unlocked a surprising truth: people who confidently hold misconceptions about cognition and intelligence may live longer—and healthier—lives than their skeptical peers. This unexpected discovery challenges long-standing assumptions in psychology, neuroscience, and aging research. ### The Misunderstood Mind: Why “Idiots” Are Actually Resilient Thinkers In everyday language, labeling someone an “idiot” is sharp and often dismissive. But in a groundbreaking study led by researchers at Stanford University and the Max Planck Institute, scientists examined groups of individuals who confidently believe they understand complex cognitive processes—often defying mainstream science—yet surprisingly report strong mental well-being and longer lifespans.