21st century, Europe, primary source, quotes, Ukraine
Humour can help people cope and even survive. As the cartoonist Chappatte put it, it helps us digest the horror of the world, and breathe a little (is that why laughing can also have you take in deep breaths?)I was glad to read of signs of humour in Odessa and the...
21st century, Europe, primary source, quotes, Ukraine
We know from Rubinstein, who mocked and cavorted in the Warsaw Ghetto, that jesters and humour can play a role in even extreme and violent situations. I was struck by references to this in an interview with President Zelensky by journalists from The Atlantic. ...
21st century, primary source, quotes
I was struck by this comment of Robert Reich regarding high level, low quality decision making (‘blunders’) among the powerful. Reich spots a common flaw whatever other differences they have (corporate, democratic, dictatorial).The higher you rise in any...
21st century, Europe, French, primary source, quotes
A comment by the cartoonist Chappatte about the need for humour even, or particularly during, times of stress; his observation came in the wake of the Charlie Hebdo massacre. Today, as a tsunami of human and economic sickness is rolling over the world, humour, and its...
21st century, bibliography, book chapter, English, India, research
This is an excellent paper both in content and in terms of its contribution to the jester landscape; and how can you not enjoy a paper published in a collection entitled In her right hand she held a silver knife with small bells?Vidusaka is the stock comic character...
21st century, English, primary source, quotes, research
What better way to launch foolsareeverywhere.com than scientific evidence of their central role on earth and beyond. NASA has cleverly realised that the skills of the fool are essential to prevent mayhem when cooping up a dozen astronauts for months on end in a...
21st century, English, journal paper, research
In the age of concentrated and even absolute power, jesters were a vital counterpoint, a dose of humorous corrective, a laughing shaker-up of rigidity.In an age of spin, propaganda and fake news, they still have a role to play. They typically come with an extra...
21st century, English, primary source
Following a thorough examination of the issue, we have concluded that fools are as vital to societal and democratic health as they ever were hanging around the courts of monarchs and other power-wielders. To help you improve your organisation’s performance (and...
