"The Basic Laws of Human Stupidity" by Carlo M. Cipolla humorously presents five basic laws that explain human behavior, particularly the actions of "stupid" individuals. The book argues that everyone underestimates the number of stupid people, and that stupidity is a constant across all demographics, regardless of intelligence or social status. Cipolla defines "stupid" as an individual who causes losses for others while deriving no gain for themselves. The book further argues that non-stupid individuals underestimate the power of stupid individuals and often make the mistake of associating with them, leading to costly consequences. The final law contends that stupid individuals are more dangerous than bandits because their actions are irrational and unpredictable, resulting in widespread damage to society as a whole.