Today marks April Fool’s Day on the first day of the month.
But let us give the traditional custom of practical jokes, hoaxes, or harmless pranks a little more elaboration and celebration to recognize that we all carry an eccentric strain of foolishness within our creative and intellectual cognitive senses.
We are fools or do foolish things occasionally or quite often. Then why not celebrate them as these testify to be life’s experiences?
An inner fool within us behaves from time to time in mischievous and playful ways, an inner child who is cheerful and lighthearted.
Foolishness is not stupidity. The latter is a lack of intelligence.
Being foolish sometimes means erring in understanding, poor judgement, or unwise decisions. Impulsivity and outside influences also occasionally contribute to mindless behaviour, an all-natural attitude into which we occasionally crash.
Thinking takes time, energy, or brainpower to analyze a situation and decide. Instead, we take a shortcut based on pre-existing mindset opinions. And this is where foolishness can occur.
“It was foolish on my part” is often heard when we logically or sensibly recognize or accept the folly later. “To err is human,” and to take it is divine.
Intellectuals and philosophers agree that foolishness is a part of human nature and expression. “I was young and foolish then; now I am old and more foolish,” Mark Twain says.
About April 1, he remarks, “This is the day upon which we are reminded of what we are on the other three hundred and sixty-four.”
Another quote from him, “Ah, well, I am a great and sublime fool. But then I am God’s fool, and all His work must be contemplated with respect.”
Albert Einstein asserts: “Before God, we are all equally wise and equally foolish.”
To accumulate wisdom, Steve Jobs suggests, “stay hungry, stay foolish.”
While Jobs’ “stay hungry” means never being satisfied and pushing, “stay foolish” is interpreted as a natural human behaviour of doing things that we try but are futile. However, it presents an experience of foolishness that helps us correct ourselves.
Modesty demands the admission of our foolish remarks or acts.
Foolishness is pervasive and universal. However, in its admission, something positive emerges from the negative. Given that perception, why not dedicate April 1 as International Fools’ Day?
On this lively and fun day, let us be authentic to celebrate our inner flirtations with comical and unapologetic foolery.
With exuberant pleasure, we respect our foolishness. Be silly for one day, loosen up, share jokes, and make fun.
After all, laughter is the best medicine, and life is too meaningful to be taken seriously.
Pic of Jonny Walker, the most famous Indian film comedian.
Promod Puri.com 