A more thorough explanation:

idiota

In civil law, an idiota is someone who is unlearned or simple. It can also refer to a private person who is not in public office.

• A farmer who never went to school and cannot read or write would be considered an idiota.
• John is a private citizen who works as a mechanic and is not involved in politics. He is an idiota.

The first example illustrates the first definition of idiota, as the farmer is uneducated and lacks knowledge in certain areas. The second example illustrates the second definition, as John is a private person who is not involved in public office or government.