Fools have gotten a bum rap in modern times. I think it's time for a renaissance.

Being a Fool or a Jester was once a more or less respected occupation and they were often quite talented. A licensed Fool was forgiven in advance for minor insults, verbal slights and inappropriate comments. The result was a valuable member of court; someone who could be counted on to speak their mind and provide perspective that ran against conventional thinking of the moment.

What would happen if (in our own minds) we gave that license to our co-workers, family, friends, and neighbors? What if we could consciously look past contrariness, poorly worded feedback, misused words, sarcastic comments and jokes seemingly made at our expense and listen only for what we can learn?

What do you think?