Why We Can’t Live Without the Fool

The fool is part of us, part of the unconscious. When we ignore him, we neglect something essential in ourselves. The purpose of the fool’s existence seems to be tied to the psychological well-being of a culture. Foolish behaviour, in all its forms across the world, is often marked by shocking or astonishing antics. Through this, the fool draws attention to what has been forgotten or cast aside. By exposing what society represses, he helps restore our one-sidedness and moves us towards psychic wholeness. In this way, the fool appears as an organic response to the psychological needs of the community. On a more earthy level, perhaps it is simply necessary to poke fun at ourselves and our established social structures. Mankind has often become overly absorbed in the lofty pursuits of intellect, power, and status, while neglecting the humble, daily, earthy side of life. #fool #psychology