The little foolery that wise men have makes a great show

The little foolery that wise men have makes a great show

In William Shakespeare's works, the theme of wisdom and foolishness is a recurring motif that is explored in various ways. One of the most famous quotes that encapsulates this theme is "The little foolery that wise men have makes a great show." This line, spoken by the character Touchstone in the play As You Like It, highlights the idea that even the most intelligent and knowledgeable individuals can engage in foolish behavior at times.

Touchstone, the court jester in the play, is known for his wit and humor, but also for his ability to see through the pretensions of those around him. In this particular quote, he is commenting on the fact that even the most wise and learned individuals can sometimes act foolishly, and that this foolishness can be entertaining to others.

Throughout Shakespeare's works, there are many examples of wise characters who engage in foolish behavior. For example, in the play King Lear, the titular character is a wise and powerful king who makes a series of foolish decisions that ultimately lead to his downfall. Similarly, in the play Hamlet, the character of Polonius is portrayed as a wise counselor to the king, but he is also shown to be a bumbling and foolish old man.

Shakespeare uses these examples to explore the complexities of human nature and the idea that wisdom and foolishness are not always mutually exclusive. In fact, he suggests that it is often the combination of wisdom and foolishness in individuals that makes them truly human and relatable.

Overall, the quote "The little foolery that wise men have makes a great show" serves as a reminder that even the most intelligent and knowledgeable individuals are not immune to moments of foolishness. It is a testament to Shakespeare's keen insight into human behavior and his ability to capture the complexities of the human experience in his works.