14th century, historical figure, Persia, Persian, primary source, quotes
A famous fourteenth century Persian poet, `Obeyd-e Zakani, known for his satire, wittily dittily sums up how you can influence people – forget learning and wisdom, just stick to fooling and fiddling.  Keep clear of learning sir, if so you may,Lest you should...
14th century, historical figure, Persia, Persian, primary source, quotes, stories
The 14th century Persian poet ‘Obeyd Zakani complained of the favouritism the king showed his jester. In his Biographies of the Poets (Tazkirat al-Shu`ara) (1487) Dawlatshah describes `Obeyd’s annoyance:It has been related that he had composed a treatise...
18th century, English, Europe, Germany, historical figure, primary source, quotes
A rather damning reaction by Lady Montague (1689-1762) towards the dwarfs or dwarf-jesters she encountered in German courts. Note that while dismissing them as the ‘refuse of human nature’, she acknowledges that ‘these creatures’ were the only...
historical figure, North America, quotes, research
From an excellent study of Pueblo Indian clowns in North America, this is a beautiful and limpid summary of the role of clowns, as apparently bestowed by the gods. In addition to healing through laughter, there is the fact of free access and free expression –...
