Who's the Fool?

(Originally posted 15 July, 2009)[Note: This was one of my favorite posts from FtAoD] “A fool may be known by six things: anger, without cause; speech, without profit; change, without progress; inquiry, without object; putting trust in a stranger; and mistaking foes for friends” This proverb came up in class discussion today, and it got me to thinking about recent events, and certain people involved. It is an interesting proverb (Arabian, I believe), and is so true in so many ways. Let's pick this apart, piece by piece:

1) Anger without cause:

OK, this is an easy one. Why be angry with anyone for no reason? Let's say someone does something contrary to the ways you think it should be done. Is it really wise to start a war over something so petty? All things considered, the other person will not be persuaded by angry words, and you'll end up coming out looking like a bigger fool than when it all started.

2) Speech without profit:

Another easy one. If nothing you have to say makes sense, is pertinent to the topic or conversation at hand, or is productive in any way, then it is all for naught, and- you got it, you become a bigger fool for speaking it in the first place.

3)Change without progress:

Simple enough- Change without progress is no change at all.

4) Inquiry without object:

laymans terms- Asking a question and not pursuing the answer. Why even ask a question when you don't want to hear the answer to it? Enough said on this one.

5) Putting trust in a stranger:

This one speaks for itself. By putting trust in a stranger, you could be putting yourself, your valuables, or others at risk.

and, Last, but not least:
6) Mistaking foes for friends:

This one ties in with #5. Knowledge is the key. Know who your friends are and who you can trust, and who to count on when you need them. If you don't, and put your trust in the wrong person, well, you're going to end up cheated, robbed, or worse yet- dead. Know your enemies.

Don't be a fool.