Significance of Foolishness
Foolishness, as defined across various philosophies and traditions, encompasses a state of ignorance and poor judgment that leads to unwise actions and decisions. In Jainism, it signifies delusion preventing spiritual growth. Vaishnavism portrays it as imitation of higher behaviors without understanding, while the Purana highlights its consequences through unwise choices by characters like Nishumbha and Karna. Theravada describes it as a lack of wisdom leading to confusion and suffering. Ultimately, foolishness is a universal theme reflecting a deficiency in understanding and judgment, influencing both personal and collective outcomes.
Synonyms: Insanity, Stupidity, Folly, Absurdity, Imprudence, Recklessness, Thoughtlessness, Ignorance, Idiocy, Irrationality, Senselessness, Madness
In Dutch: Dwaasheid; In Finnish: Tyhmyys; In Spanish: 罢辞苍迟别谤铆补; In German: Torheit; In Malay: Kebodohan; In Swedish: 顿氓谤补办迟颈驳丑别迟; In French: Sottise
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Foolishness'
In Buddhism, Foolishness signifies ignorance and unawareness, resulting in suffering. It reflects poor judgment, as seen in attempts to alter harmful practices, and an acknowledgment of one's own limited wisdom in grasping deeper teachings.
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The state of being uninformed or unaware, leading to confusion and a lack of understanding, which is the root of evil and suffering.[1]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) Describes the lack of wisdom or poor judgment exhibited by the apprentice in his attempt to improve the liquor.[2]
From: Patipada (path of practice)
(1) The speaker's acknowledgment of his lack of wisdom and understanding regarding the teachings and the concept of being a 'dog'.[3]
Hindu concept of 'Foolishness'
In Hinduism, Foolishness signifies a lack of wisdom and judgment, leading to illogical actions and neglect of essential scriptures. It illustrates ignorance, poor decision-making, and the consequences of misjudgment in various contexts, impacting spiritual growth.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A state of ignorance that leads individuals to imitate higher spiritual behaviors without proper realization or qualification.[4] (2) The state of lacking wisdom or judgment, often leading individuals to neglect important scriptures like the Puranas, resulting in a failure to understand their essence.[5] (3) A lack of wisdom or understanding that leads individuals to adhere to misleading philosophies or concepts.[6]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Lack of good sense or judgment, often leading to illogical actions.[7]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Lack of good sense or judgment, which can lead to unwise actions, such as not paying taxes.[8]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) The lack of wisdom demonstrated by Chandrasekhara when he blasphemed Shrila Gurudeva, reflecting ignorance of proper behavior.[9]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The perceived ignorance of Nishumbha and his forces in expecting victory despite experiencing losses.[10] (2) The quality of being unwise or lacking judgement, attributed to the Devi who is advised against confronting the powerful Shumbha.[11]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Describes the lack of wisdom driving Karna's decisions, leading to danger and poor choices.[12]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) Krishna鈥檚 observation regarding Vana's pride and unnecessary bravado in his insults.[13]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) The state of being foolish, particularly in the context of lacking wisdom or understanding.[14]
The concept of Foolishness in local and regional sources
Foolishness in the text relates to characters' poor choices and judgments, evidenced by Ramu's disbelief, Janakirama Iyer's criticism, and broader themes of misjudgment and lack of wisdom, underscoring dire consequences and the failure to recognize true worth.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) The act of calling someone poor without recognizing their true worth or divine connections, depicted as a lack of wisdom.[15] (2) The quality of lacking sense or judgment, as attributed to those attempting to label the speaker unjustly.[16]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Reflects Ramu's disbelief at Manohar's offer to drive him home despite their social standings.[17] (2) Janakirama Iyer's dismissive criticism of Ambujavalli's parenting choices regarding Pattu's freedom.[18]
From: Sanskrit Words In Southeast Asian Languages
(1) Foolishness, as referenced in the provided text, denotes a lack of intelligence or sound judgment, which is similar to Ajnana.[19]
From: Bede's Ecclesiastical History of England
(1) The foolishness is of temples, which believers are encouraged to despise, as part of the exhortation to embrace the Christian faith.[20]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) This term is mentioned in conjunction with mental telepathy, suggesting a speculative thought process about the nature of communication between individuals.[21]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) The central theme of the story, where characters make poor choices leading to dire consequences.[22]