Being a Fool

It's the same for us all. The moment when we've done something foolish.

The feeling of regret and embarrassment that washes over us. The amount of energy we put into avoiding those feelings at all costs.

It could be the tiniest of incidents, like tripping on a step or saying the wrong word, but the reaction it triggers can feel huge.

The reaction is real, and it's a serious matter here at Erin Mosley Inc. (EMI). In that seemingly uncontrollable and common human moment is a world of opportunities.

That fear of looking foolish is the nemesis of creativity. And yet both fear and creativity play a role in innovation. (If that seems like a paradox, keep reading!)

Let's take a closer look at the Fool himself:

 
"Fool: a comic entertainer whose madness or imbecility, real or pretended, made him a source of amusement and gave him license to abuse and poke fun at even the most exalted of his patrons." (Britannica)

  
And so we find even more paradox represented by the Fool: comedy is one of the most serious vocations in the human experience.

Comedy brings humor to foolishness.

It carries immense power to connect people, relieve suffering, make insightful commentary on the world at large, and help us process our experiences. Comedy can be biting; comedy can be healing. It's a profound skill that serves many purposes.

At EMI we make a habit of looking at the importance of comedy, humor, and yes - foolishness.

For today, we'll leave you with a recommendation for a quick yet memorable read on discomfort, suffering, playfulness, ridiculousness, ease, standing still, and dignity:


 🔗 Once you can handle the insults, you begin': inside Philippe Gaulier's clown school (The Guardian)


If you would like to engage with us on how to work with the skills of being the fool and the importance of foolishness, reach out!
 

Original post April 1, 2017, updated and reposted April 1, 2025
Written by Erin (Pink) Mosley
©️ 2025 Erin Mosley, Inc.