My thoughts are pretty much in confluence with Flaubert's. It's a personal opinion with no scientific backing, perhaps. But if one ponders and thinks, Flaubert's thoughts appear relatable. When he talks of stupidity, I'm reminded of Dostoevsky's writing in 'Notes from the Underground' - the curse of the conscious man. (I do not remember the exact quote, but this was the essence) I've seen people live more carefree and happy when their systemic and political understanding is low or the ignorance towards daily happenings is high.