16th century, German, Germany, historical figure, primary source, quotes, stories
There are many accounts of jesters intervening to rein in the crapulence of the king. In this case the curiously named Peter Bearskin (Peter Bärenhaut), jester to Landgrave Philip the Magnanimous of Hesse (1509-67), cured ruler-boozing by encouraging him to take a...
10th century, 7th century BCE, China, Chinese, East Asia, historical figure, primary source, quotes, Southern Tang, stories
In China, as in Europe, there are examples of jesters addressing the delicate issue of the ruler’s neglecting affairs of state due to over indulgence in wine or other distractions. We’ll be sharing these in the coming months, but for now, in general they...
4th century BCE, China, Chinese, East Asia, historical figure, primary source, quotes, stories
A common theme in the interactions between fools and kings is the need to rein in regal carousing or other forms of distraction from the affairs of state.On one occasion Chunyu Kun (Baldy Chunyu 淳于髡) used a riddle to talk Weiwang of Qi (c. 356-319 BC, whose name has...
