Etymology of the word idiot – care of Jim Hightower

Recounting his speech earlier this month to the Denison (Texas) High School Class of 2013, Hightower recently wrote:

“Idiotes were not people with low-watt brains, but individuals who cared only about themselves, refusing to participate in public efforts to benefit the larger community – the common good. The Greeks, I told the students, considered such people selfish, contemptible, and stupid… and so should we.” – Jim Hightower