Europe, German, Germany, primary source, quotes
This German proverb begs the question as to what exactly the wise should learn from fools. Perhaps, for starters, how not to appear too wise, thereby alienating or annoying those who might benefit from your wisdom. And wrap your wisdom in a joke so that it flies...
18th century, Europe, fictive fool, primary source, quotes, Wales, Welsh
Speaking the truth, especially to power, is a risky business, occasionally even life-threatening. Better leave it to the professionals who know how to wrap it in humour so the receiver laughs before they have chance to chop anyone’s head off. This from an...
17th century, dramatic character, England, English, Europe, play, primary source, quotes
Olivia, perhaps used to being railed against, acknowledges the licence of the jester to say whatever they wish. There is no slander in an allowed fool though he do nothing but rail. Source: Shakespeare, Twelfth Night, 1.5.76-78 Image credit: A photo of actor Louis...
10th century, China, Chinese, East Asia, historical figure, primary source, quotes, stories, Tang dynasty
A skill often attributed to jesters is the capacity to improvise verse, which they could do for fun or to mock or criticize, as we’ve seen elsewhere. Here we have Jing Xinmo 鏡新磨 (Newly Polished Mirror), jester to the emperor Tang Zhuangzong 唐莊宗 (r. 923-26),...
Europe, folk fool, German, Germany, primary source, quotes, stories
Eulenspiegel, commonly depicted in the full fools’ garb of cap and bells, was more a trickster than a jester. But he had enough of the latter to put the wind up some of the court jesters he encountered, besting them on their own turf, precisely because he was...
17th century, dramatic character, England, English, Europe, play, primary source, quotes
This heart-rending quote reminds us of the role of the fool in consoling or comforting the king. The implication here is clearly that the fool, although labouring to soothe, is barely able to out-pace Lear’s pain. None but the fool, who labours to out-jest his...
16th century, Europe, Latin, Netherlands, primary source, quotes
According to Rabelais, kings and fools were born under the same horoscope. Perhaps that explains why we should be born one or the other, as outlined by Erasmus. One ought to be born a king or a fool. Aut regem, aut fatuum nasci oportere. Which would you be? ...
17th century, England, English, Europe, historical figure, primary source, quotes, Scotland, stories, Stuart
All kinds of stories are told about the background from which various court jesters emerged, and some may even be true. Or we know at least that the jester was for real but we can’t be sure about the recruitment trajectory. This is one of the more original...
