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| Image: astronkyttaron.heavenforum.org |
In honour of today's date, 1 April, or April Fool's Day, a few thoughts on the wisdom of the fool.
Although nobody likes to feel foolish, and "foolishness" presents a simmering controversy in educational circles, I would like to argue that foolishness has its virtues. The fool, perchance, may have unique wisdom to offer.
When jokers and jesters offer their "foolish" views, we are often entertained. Yet more than this, their unorthodox angle may loosen up our own rigid views and open our eyes to new ways of seeing things. The truly wise pay attention to the fool.
From Zen philosophy arises the concept of shoshin, or "beginner's mind". The beginner, Zen thinking tells us, brings an openness, willingness and eagerness unclouded by preconceptions.
Symbolically, the fool, jester or joker often represents common sense and forthrightness. This acute honesty is epitomised by the fool in Shakespeare's King Lear. The Fool that fathered the Joker in our modern deck of cards also holds complex symbolism, of which the learner at the beginning of a journey is one of the most fundamental.
As it would appear, the fool has a great deal of wisdom to offer the lifelong learner. At least, that is my admittedly foolish opinion.
