The Fool Today

The Fool Today

In our society today there are so many different definitions of what it means to be a “fool” that the idea of one being a “fool” seems completely subjective. But is it? If you look at the modern definitions of a fool they all express the underlying idea that a fool makes decisions that eventually harm him. The theorist, Thomas Hobbes, talks about his idea of the fool in his piece, Leviathan. He defines a fool as a person who makes choices guided by self-interest that eventually harm him. He also describes the fool as one who thinks that there is no justice, and that he is the only human privy to this notion, therefore making him superior to others. This being the case, he thinks he is out of harm’s way, when in reality, he is the opposite. Hobbes’ definition gives roots to the modern definitions of what it means to be a fool. It is clear Hobbes’ idea of the fool in a state of nature is not much different than our idea of what it means to be a fool today. 

 1.  A silly or stupid person; who lacks judgment or sense

Hobbes describes a fool as one who is willing to practice utter self-interest and break the covenants (promises and agreements) he has with others, due to his lack in moral judgment. This modern day definition also would consider a person who practices utter self-interest as a silly or stupid person, and therefore a fool. The fool in Hobbes’ world poses the question, “Why should I keep promises when I can gain from breaking them?” Though the fool may think he is gaining something in breaking his promises, in reality it is impossible for him to succeed without these convents. In modern day, the fool’s question holds true, but is disproven as one who breaks these covenants is unable to create relationships with others, make business deals, and gain resources in order to help them succeed, making them “a silly or stupid person.” Hobbes’ fool is also one who doesn’t believe in justice. He explains that because a fool doesn’t believe in justice, he lacks the judgment necessary to make the decisions to break or keep his covenants. This modern definition is similar to Hobbes’ definition, as a person who lacks necessary judgment, and looks out solely for themself, is still seen as extremely silly and stupid person. 

2. A professional jester, formal kept by a person of royal Nobel or rank for amusement.

Now this definition is a little bit trickier. How, you may ask, is a fool nowadays like a court jester? A jester knows he is a jester. It is his job to entertain the royal court. His position is one of necessity. A jester acts silly and stupid, thus reflecting how one should not act in society. A fool, in Hobbes’ world, is a necessity as well. Hobbes’ alludes to the idea that a fool has to exist in society in order to show society how not to act. He states, “by the terror of some punishment, greater than the benefit they expect by the breach of their covenant; and to make good that propriety, which by mutual contract men acquire, … such power there is none before the erection of a commonwealth.” This idea of “the mutual contract” being broken by the fool, gives those in society evidence that breaking covenants results in “punishment.” This therefore, allows society to come together as a whole and understand the importance of these convents, just as watching a jester is necessary, for those watching, to come together to realize how not to act in society.

3. A person who has been tricked or deceived into appearing or acting silly or stupid: to make a fool of someone.

This modern definition of a fool states that a fool doesn’t necessarily know he is committing foolish acts. In Hobbes’ discussion of the fool, he explains that a fool is not always aware that the choices he is making are foolish. The fool indeed knows he is making a decision that could have potential consequences but, because he doesn’t believe in justice, he deceives himself with the idea that his self-interest will allow him to get ahead. Ultimately the fool does not benefit like he believes he will. Hobbes states, “yet it can never be against reason, seeing all the voluntary actions of men tend to the benefit of themselves; and those actions are most reasonable, that conduce most to their ends. This specious reasoning is nevertheless false” revealing notion the fool believes he is acting upon reason, but in fact he is actually deceiving himself by thinking his choice to break promises will aid, when in reality the result will be the opposite. This definition fits perfectly with the modern definition of being, “tricked or deceived into appearing or acting stupid," as a man today may fully intend to keep his promises, but then may be “tricked” into thinking that breaking them will benefit more him instead, when in reality, he will end up appearing “silly or stupid” by doing so, just as Hobbes’ fool does.

  4.  An ardent enthusiast who cannot resist an opportunity to indulge

This modern definition depicts the consequences of being a fool. According to Hobbes, a fool cannot help but indulge in his self-interest. This is similar to our modern definition of a fool of one who “cannot resist an opportunity to indulge.” In our world today, there are stories told of those who cannot resist the opportunity to indulge. Hazel and Gretel, Aladdin, and Little Red Riding Hood, are all examples of what happens to people when they cannot resist the opportunity to indulge. These examples are meant to warn society that those who cannot resist the opportunity to indulge will end up punished. Stories such as these keep our society today from accepting those who cannot resist this opportunity to indulge. Hobbes’ notion of a fool is used as a warning as well, much like these stories. He reflects the idea that a fool is made an example for the rest of society, “he therefore that breaketh his covenant, and consequently declareth …cannot be received into any society, that unite themselves for peace and defense, but by the error of them that receive him; nor when he is received, …which errors a man cannot reasonably reckon upon…and therefore if he be left, or cast out of society.” This expression of society’s view of the fool relates to the modern day definition in that someone who cannot resist the opportunity to indulge will suffer a harsh fate, even today.

Hobbes’ definition of the fool, though made long ago, is still relevant to our multitude of definitions for a fool today. Though society as progressed as a whole, this notion of a fool, and what it means to believe in justice, still hold true, and are vital to today’s living and working society.