Many people tend to view foolishness as a negative trait, but that’s not always the case. Sometimes being foolish simply means having the courage to make the kind of mistakes we can learn from. It also means being authentic to our true selves, as people who are brave enough to be fools seldom worry about what others think.
And of course, foolishness is important when it comes to following one’s dreams, too, as it makes us less likely to be deterred by those around us who express doubt. In this case, we may refer to ourselves as “foolhardy.”
All this is to say that those who may be considered “fools” by others often lead rich lives full of personal growth and fulfillment. In the end, people who are willing to appear foolish can achieve a level of happiness that’s only unlocked by not worrying about how they’re perceived. That’s why it’s crucial to step out of your comfort zone at times and risk looking silly, rather than remain paralyzed by fears of ridicule and failure.
We dare you to act a little foolish today — if only for a few minutes — to experience the positive benefits for yourself. Here are 12 quotes about the importance of embracing your inner foolishness.
Stay hungry. Stay foolish.Steve Jobs
If you want to improve, be content to be thought foolish and stupid with regard to external things. Don’t wish to be thought to know anything.Epictetus
Until you’re ready to look foolish, you’ll never have the possibility of being great.Cher
Our wisdom comes from our experience and our experience comes from our foolishness.Sacha Guitry
Humanity is a parade of fools, and I am at the front of it, twirling a baton.Dean Koontz
If I make a fool of myself, who cares? I’m not frightened by anyone’s perception of me.Angelina Jolie
The greatest fools are ofttimes more clever than the men who laugh at them.George R.R. Martin
The best servants of the people, like the best valets, must whisper unpleasant truths in the master’s ear. It is the court fool, not the foolish courtier, whom the king can least afford to lose.Walter Lippmann
You grow up the day you have your first real laugh at yourself.Ethel Barrymore
Our real discoveries come from chaos, from going to the place that looks wrong and stupid and foolish.Chuck Palahniuk
You will do foolish things, but do them with enthusiasm.Colette
The point of living and being an optimist is to be foolish enough to believe the best is yet to come.Peter Ustinov
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