17th century, Europe, German, Germany, primary source, quotes
Johann Balthasar Schupp (1610-61) was a German satirical writer and Lutheran pastor. The tension between his use of wit and satire and his role as a pastor is perhaps highlighted in the question raised by fellow pastors in 1657:’Was it right that a doctor of...
20th century, English, fictive fool, primary source, quotes
This is a fictitious jester, drawing on the Thousand and One Nights, and commenting on the archetypal role of the jester as truth-teller, in this case to the exclusion of any one else. It is this perception of (and tendency among) jesters to speak the truth...
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, quotes
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...
