The Jester

The instinct to smile and laugh is universally human. From the ancient Chinese court to Rome to the Harlequin of medieval Europe to the Hekoya of Lakota culture, the Jester has crossed every time and culture. Sometimes referred to as the “state-sponsored mischief maker”, they were classically associated with the “fool” who entertained the king. But underneath their silly surface is a wicked intelligence and a freedom-loving anti-authoritarian streak. Creators in their own right, they bring “mirth to the mind”, heal through laughter, help us understand societal norms and also question authority when necessary.