Fooled Vs. The Fool

“It takes inordinate courage to introspect, to confront oneself, to accept one’s limitations—scientists are seeing more and more evidence that we are specifically designed by mother nature to fool ourselves.” -Nassim Taleb

“The first principle is that you must not fool yourself and you are the easiest person to fool.” -Richard P. Feynman

“Stay hungry. Stay foolish. Never let go of your appetite to go after new ideas, new experiences, and new adventures.” -Steve Jobs

“The fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself to be a fool.” -William Shakespeare, As You Like It

I’ll tip my hat to the new Constitution
Take a bow for the new revolution
Smile and grin at the change all around
Pick up my guitar and play
Just like yesterday
Then I’ll get on my knees and pray
We don’t get fooled again
Don’t get fooled again, no, no -song, “Won’t Get Fooled Again” by The Who

“I think it’s my job to risk looking foolish. One of the things I’ve learned from the actors I’ve worked with is you don’t get something for nothing. If you don’t risk looking foolish, you’ll never do anything special.” -Ethan Hawke

Don’t fool yourself or other people.

But to do anything great and lasting and worthwhile, you do need to stay foolish.

“Aye, there’s the rub.”

P.S. – This Ethan Hawke TED Talk. “Give yourself permission to play the fool.” Try to revisit this video at least once per year. Perhaps every April 1st.