500 Words a Week - The Fool
Inspired by an exert from Jordan Peterson’s “Beyond Order” book. All quotes are from Jordan Peterson.
The Fool in the Tarot Deck represents new beginnings, having faith in the future, being inexperienced, not knowing what to expect, improvisation and believing in the universe. Despite some of these being positive condonations, in our everyday life we tend to be petrified of looking like a fool, of looking like we don’t know something, of being unsure. How many times in having conversations with others do we smile along while really having no idea about certain aspects that are being discussed for fear of looking as if we don’t know something. Or how often do we believe we understand what is being said, rather than seeking clarification?
“It is better to presume ignorance and invite learning than to assume sufficient knowledge and risk consequent blindness.”
The fool is often at the bottom of the hierarchy. Accepting the role that we are in, can lead to many possibilities and opportunities rather than being blinded by our pride. I think within S&C we can struggle at times to appreciate the opportunities we have around us, especially if surrounded by good people with trustworthy skill and experience. We can get bogged down by where we perceive ourselves in the career ladder, rather than truly analyzing how we can better ourselves despite our position.
“It is useful to take your place at the bottom of a hierarchy. It can aid in the development of gratitude and humility.”
The Fool is portrayed as if he is about to carelessly step over a cliff in the Tarot Card. “His strength, however, is precisely his willingness to risk such a drop, to risk being once again at the bottom. No one unwilling to be a foolish beginner can learn”.
Often, we won’t put ourselves in new opportunities allowing us to learn and expand our horizons for fear of looking like a fool. We become easily attached to whatever position we are in, and hold solace in doing only what we are good at and what we perceive we are there to do.
In my first year of being full time employed, my confidence in my ability as coach began to increase beyond my actual skills and ability. After that year I went and did an internship at Elon, where I quickly found out that there are levels to this game and I was just beginning. This helped me in realizing I still have much to learn and must always be in the beginner mindset.
“Thus, it is necessary even for the most accomplished (but who wishes to accomplish still more) to retain identification with the as yet unsuccessful; to appreciate the striving toward competence; to carefully and with true humility subordinate him or herself to the current game; and to develop the knowledge, self-control, and discipline necessary to make the next move.”
Embrace the fool.
