
There is an Amoraic Statement that seems bizzarre. It is "man doesn't sin unless a wave of stupidity overcomes him" (Sotah 3a). Whats strange is that this doesn't seem to be the case. Don't most people sin because they are tempted by it? Gossiping about a competitor isn't stupid. It might be mean and selfish but it's not stupid? So what does the Gemara mean? The answer might surprise you.