A reader points out that the idea behind Idiocracy–that intelligence is, species-survival-wise–a good thing to have lots of, may be false. No species of beetles (he argues) is likely to extinguish itself with nuclear weapons.

Hmmm. Be that as it may, I am reminded of the old joke about the fellow who finds an antique lamp, rubs it, and is astonished so see a genie come out. (If he spent much time listening to low-grade jokes, of course he would not be astonished… but let’s proceed.)

The genie says: “I’ve been stuck in that darn lamp for two thousand years, and my powers are seriously weakened. I can only offer you two things: Great wealth, or great intelligence.”

Says the guy: “You know, I’ve always had this inferiority complex about not being very smart. I hate it that half the time I don’t know what people are talking about. All right, I’ll go for the intelligence deal.”

“Done!” says the genie, and vanishes.

Guy, smacking self on forehead: “Jeez, I shoulda taken the money!”