1st century, Europe, historical figure, Italy, Latin, primary source, quotes, Roman, stories
An interesting intervention by a dwarf, standing ‘among the jesters’ of the Roman emperor Tiberius (r. 14-37), and challenging him to carry out an execution of someone charged with treason. Curious to see that while Tiberius ‘chided him for his...
16th century, bibliography, book, canon, Europe, fictive fool, Latin, Netherlands, primary source, quotes
Rulers, for all the advantages they enjoy, seem to me in one respect most disadvantaged: they’ve nobody from whom they can hear the truth; in place of friends they’re lumbered with flatterers. p. 45 The Moriae Encomium by Erasmus (1469-1536), written in...
16th century, Europe, fictive fool, Latin, Netherlands, primary source, quotes
Here the ever bold lady Folly makes her irrefutable claim to be the source of life. Yet another brazen statement by this folly goddess. And the basis for her argument is that human life is created with a set of laughable organs. I create life. In the first place,...
16th century, Europe, fictive fool, Latin, Netherlands, primary source, quotes
Erasmus’ Folly yet again turns things on their head, assuring us that her rebukes are a compliment. Presumably, if she bothers to upbraid you, you must have the potential for improvement. But note too how she castigates the failure of fools to identify what is...
16th century, Europe, Latin, Netherlands, primary source, quotes
Erasmus, speaking in the voice of Folly, reminds us that God prefers fools to those who ‘think too much’. He draws on the Bible, which lays it out crystal clearly. Here, rather irreverently, he likens God to other ‘supreme rulers’, whose love...
16th century, Europe, fictive fool, Latin, Netherlands, primary source, quotes
Here the charming, wise and witty Lady Folly merrily explains why any king worth his salt would surround himself with fools in preference to churlish philosophers. I particularly like the idea of keeping the latter ‘for show’.Erasmus’ timeless Praise...
16th century, Europe, fictive fool, Latin, Netherlands, primary source, quotes
This is a splendid summary of the fools’ licence to speak truth to power.As every CEO or President knows, power can bring hordes of toadies seeking personal advancement or lobbying for special interests. If you find yourself similarly ‘lumbered with...
1st century BCE, Europe, Italy, Latin, primary source, quotes, Roman
Fools are everywhere – the name of this website and title of the book which informs it, and a shorthand for the underlying thesis; that court fools and jesters existed, not literally in every place at all times, but across a breathtaking array of cultures over a...
