In the past, the “traditional fool” was the one who rejected education entirely, preferred ignorance, and stayed home chasing chickens. Let’s call him the traditional fool. Today, however, we are faced with a new type: the “modern fool” – a half-functional corporate drone, full of self-importance. This modern fool believes he knows everything and is utterly devoid of compassion.
The traditional fool, the subject of much classic literature, is well known. But the modern fool – the one we encounter daily – is a different creature entirely. He is a master pretender. He pretends to work, creating the illusion of busyness while endlessly scrolling online. He pretends to care, having learned from his company the art of performing empathy. If the company fakes a commitment to equal opportunity, the modern fool is the first to extol its virtues, despite his last Instagram share being a post by Andrew Tate, who blames women for their own assaults.
Integrity is foreign to the modern fool. Without an informed opinion, he can’t support any perspective that doesn’t serve his self-interest. He avoids thinking critically, lest he risk making a mistake. The modern fool doesn’t want to cause trouble or make waves. The modern fool is overly cautious and intellectually lazy, opting for popular, albeit flawed, views over accurate but innovative ideas.
As mentioned, the modern fool cares only for himself. Vulnerable groups, friends, or anyone else do not concern him. However, he fails to realize that, once every five years, the traditional fool – his not-so-distant kin – gets his revenge at the ballot box.
The traditional fool disturbed only the chickens. The modern fool, on the other hand, suffocates us all.
