A book that proves idiocy is as old as time

Think civilization has deteriorated and that people these days are dumber than ever? Dumb History proves that we didn’t invent stupidity in the 21st century. You’ll find facts from throughout the ages about everyone from Cleopatra and Napoleon to Elvis Presley and even NASA scientists.

Consider this:

• In 820 C.E., Emperor Hsien Tsung’s herbalist presented him with an anti-aging elixir—it killed him

• In 1849, Brooklyn inventor Walter Hunt invented and patented the safety pin and then sold all the rights to his invention for $400. By the time he died penniless, the United States was producing an estimated five billion safety pins annually

• In 1967, voters in the town of Picoaza, Ecuador, elected a brand of foot powder as their new mayor

It’s a wonder we’ve survived as long as we have.