The Real Fools Are Those Too Scared To Look Foolish

graphic © eminentlyquotable.com

The real fools are those too scared to look foolish.

This saying appears to be an abridged version of the words of Greek philosopher Epictetus: “If you want to improve, be content to be thought foolish and stupid.”

It highlights the importance of taking risks and embracing the unknown, even if it means looking foolish. It suggests that the real fools are those who are too scared to take a chance and try something new, as they are limiting themselves and their potential for growth, success and uniqueness – which is something to be cherished, not shunned.

In Osho’s 1999 book “Creativity: Unleashing the Forces Within,” he described creative people as “rebels” in a society that revolves around conformation. These creative people, ranging from artists, to CEOs, to “soccer moms” aren’t afraid to look foolish and so they accomplish more without sacrificing their identity. Osho proclaimed, “A creator has to be able to look foolish. A creator has to risk his so-called respectability.” He said that in such cases when creative people gain respectability through recognition of their work, they tend to stop being creative for the fear of looking foolish.

Creative types are often labeled as eccentric in our society but creativity is a trait all children possess. As Picasso said, “All children are born artists.” Unfortunately, this trait is mostly discouraged and highly frowned upon in most schools and formal institutions. Children lose their creativity as soon as they try to fit in a world run by people who stigmatize mistakes and unconventional ideas. As a result, we live in fear of looking foolish.

Many people are held back by the fear of being judged or of looking foolish. They are afraid to take risks and try new things, for fear of failure or rejection. This fear can be debilitating and can prevent people from pursuing their dreams and reaching their full potential. However, this quote reminds us that it is important to let go of this fear and to embrace the unknown, even if it means looking foolish. It’s a small price to pay for unleashing our potential and living an extraordinary life!

When we are able to let go of the fear of judgement, we are able to take risks and to explore new opportunities. We are able to be more creative and innovative, and we are able to push ourselves to achieve more than we ever thought possible. This freedom from fear of judgement allows us to be more authentic and true to ourselves, and it allows us to live a more fulfilling life.

Here are three further quotations that are relevant to this one:

“The biggest risk is not taking any risk… In a world that’s changing quickly, the only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks.” – Mark Zuckerberg

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it.” – Steve Jobs