The Fool and the Sage

Our Sophomoric Selves

There is a voice inside of you that whispers all day long, 'I feel that this is right for me, I know that this is wrong.' No teacher, preacher, parent, friend or wise man can decide what's right for you - just listen to the voice that speaks inside. —Shel Silverstein

Above: Two faces, one person.

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We are all sophomores—walking contradictions uniquely plodding along our respective paths. Some believe ignorance is bliss; others know they know nothing. Each of us, in our own peculiar way, a wise fool.

We are simultaneously our very best advocate and our own worst enemy. This paradox lies at the heart of humanity.

Inside each and every one of us dwell two distinct voices: the Sage and the Fool. They each speak softly. Their dulcet tones, beguiling yet comforting, rest just at perception’s edge. How we listen determines our lives.

Every second of every minute of every hour of every day of every month of every year of our life, we hear their calls and heed one’s words.

The Fool says spend; the Sage urges save.

The Fool judges swiftly; the Sage forgives gently.

The Fool breeds doubt; the Sage fosters belief.

The Fool thrives in complexity; the Sage encourages simplicity.

The Fool retreats; the Sage advances.

The Fool indulges self-importance; the Sage pursues self-improvement.

The Fool shouts; the Sage whispers.

The Fool demands answers; the Sage asks questions.

The Fool rushes to act; the Sage pauses to think.

The Fool takes freely; the Sage gives generously.

The Fool gives in to anger; the Sage responds with reflection.

The Fool quits; the Sage keeps on.

The Fool cries more; the Sage whispers less.

The Fool embraces iniquity; the Sage stands by integrity.

The Fool promotes death; the Sage gives life.

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Who do you hear?

To whom do you listen?

Are you sure?

Life is a seesaw, binary in its motion—one voice rises as the other falls.

Though you can give ear to both, you can only heed one.

Choose wisely.

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Per my about page, White Noise is a work of experimentation. I view it as a sort of thinking aloud, a stress testing of my nascent ideas. Through it, I hope to sharpen my opinions against the whetstone of other people’s feedback, commentary, and input.

If you want to discuss any of the ideas or musings mentioned above or have any books, papers, or links that you think would be interesting to share on a future edition of White Noise, please reach out to me by replying to this email or following me on Twitter X.

With sincere gratitude,

Tom