Fools are Everywhere

Samenvatting

The fool or jester was, for many centuries, a frequent, trusted and intimate member of royal or noble courts around the world, and a welcome counterpoint to formal power. Despite appearing in diverse cultures, their role, status, and treatment was fairly consistent. Companions and confidants to some of the most powerful people in history, they were widely recognised for their licence to tell the truth, often under the guise of humour or folly. In this article, Otoo looks at a few key aspects of these lively, fearless, resilient, and often informally influential people.