> Does one think that a king would decide one day "I need someone to make fun
> of me" (Our "cause" is to *self-destruct*)? Or, would the jester take his
> life in his own hands and decide "I'll make fun of the king, it'll keep him
> honest." (Our cause is to *sacrifice*)? Both of these paths lead to death
> (a cause which is self destructive to--or because of--itself) Or, did the
> need arise for both king and jester simultaneously (as symbiotes), therefore
> nature groomed two people to fill these positions (a single cause which is
> at odds with itself)? Is their a path which leads to kingliness which
> diverges from foolishness; and, is there a path which leads to being a fool
> which cannot lead to the crown (a double cause which is destructive to self)?
This all flows into the circular creation/destruction things we've been
talking about. Responsible Freedom.
Creation (freedom) is inherently full spectrum. We are free to create
*whatever* we wish. Edifices to ego, idols to worship, tools of mass
destruction. It is only when we understand that creation and
destruction are ultimatly linked (to destroy is to create destruction)
and realize that *responsibility*, in all of our endevors -- conscious
control -- will enable us to utilize creation (freedom) in a way which
benefits us more than it hurts us.
That is the fools job. To ensure that the king is acting responsibly.
If he has to use humour to cloak his words, so be it.
> To find the cause we must know: What is the meaning of clowning? For what
> purpose did the jester perform this act? What reason did the king have for
> continuing this relationship? WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF HUMOR?
Humour strikes be as being about realizing the contrast -- understanding
the unexpected -- and grasping the world in unusual ways. The fool uses
humour -- and his endless supply of creativity -- to reveal to the king
the conflict, the wrongness, in the present situation.
Amoung other things, of course. The fool laughs, too!
> This is a version of the oedipal complex: If the father destroys the child,
<snip>
> each other to accept each other; and the child destroys himself to accept
> himself.
"Placed on this isthmus of a middle state,
A being darkly wise, and rudely great;
With too much knowledge for the Sceptic side,
With too much weakness for the Stoic's pride,
He hangs between; in doubt to act or rest;
In doubt to deem himself a God, or Beast;
In doubt his Mind or Body to prefer;
Born but to die, and reas'ning but to err;
Alike in ignorance, his reason such,
Whether he thinks too little or too much;
Chaos of Thought and Passion, all confus'd;
Still by himself abus'd, or disabus'd;
Created half to rise, and half to fall;
Great lord of all things, yet a prey to all;
Sole judge of Truth, in endless Error hurled;
The Glory, the Jest, and the Riddle of the world!"
ERiC
... who would like to know the author of that poem