Ignorance Versus Stupidity

(Our history teacher has just handed back our quizzes, but kept back papers of two classmates. One of those classmates was known for his constant attempts to cheat off other people.)

Teacher: “As you can see, I have kept [Classmate #1] and [Classmate #2]’s papers. Unfortunately, [Classmate #1] missed several questions.”

Classmate #1: “Aw, man!”

Teacher: “Even more unfortunately, [Classmate #2], who sits directly behind her, has given the same wrong answers to those questions.”

(At this point, Classmate #2 looks like a deer in the headlights.)

Classmate #1: “Seriously? Why would you cheat off me? You know I’m dumb!”

Teacher: “Now, now, you are not dumb. You are merely drowning in a sea of ignorance. That said, [Classmate #2] has in fact received a zero, and amply demonstrated the difference between ignorance and stupidity. Thank you!”