"Fools Are My Theme, Let Satire Be My Song"

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 22 January 2025 Today (January 22) is Lord Byron's 237th birth anniversary. One of my favourite quotes, now all the more favourite (!), is: " Fools are my theme, let satire be my song." This quote by Lord Byron encapsulates the essence of his satire and wit as a writer. Byron acknowledges that his literary focus lies in exposing the foolishness and follies of society, making them the central theme of his work. Embracing satire as his medium, he cleverly employs irony and humour to criticize the misguided behaviours, beliefs, and actions of individuals. With his sharp and incisive pen, Byron uses satire as a powerful tool to hold a mirror to society, revealing its absurdities and inviting readers to reflect upon their own flaws and foibles. His insight and ability to draw attention to the foolishness of his subjects make his writings thought-provoking, entertaining, and enduring. Elsewhere he says, "I have great faith in fools; self-confidence, my friends call it." This quote encapsulates his unique perspective on human nature. Byron suggests that he places trust and admiration in individuals who may be considered foolish by society's standards. In his eyes, their lack of inhibitions and fear of failure equate to self-confidence, a trait he highly values. Byron challenges the notion that intelligence or rationality always determine one's worth, highlighting the significance of unwavering self-belief. This quote serves as a reminder that sometimes, those who are willing to take risks and defy traditional wisdom can unlock extraordinary potentials within themselves. Byron's satiren provide invaluable insights into the world of fools. Byron mostly satirized fools and their ways as there were fools in his time as well. In fact, fools have been in all ages and their presence is required to understand (genuine) intelligence as darkness is necessary to realize light and vice versa. Byron, like the Roman statesman Seneca, believed that fools would often come like a whiff of gentle air when a discussion turned too serious and sombre. So very true. Fools have all the time in the world to blurt out inanities and they keep us thoroughly entertained. Fools have many categories. There're rank idiots, unmitigated imbeciles, absolute morons, complete oafs and head-to-toe blockheads (Saraapaa Bewaqoof in Urdu). There're quasi-fools as well. But the most interesting among them are the Intelligent Fools. They think themselves to be wise but people think otherwise! They're everywhere and nowadays they outnumber all those who're truly intelligent. They infect meetings, discussions, forums and public gatherings. All intelligent fools have delusions about their 'superior intelligence.' An intelligent fool has the answers to all the questions under the sun, moon and the boundless firmament. He's the modern avatar of Oedipus (Laal Bujhakkad in Hindi/Urdu) who gave the answer to Sphinx's poser. The myth is: Oedipus met the Sphinx at the crossroads on his journey between Jocasta and Delphi. Oedipus must answer the Sphinx's riddle correctly in order to pass. Failure means his own death and that of the besieged Thebans. The riddle was: "What walks on four feet in the morning, two in the afternoon and three at night?". Oedipus answered: "Man: as an infant, he crawls on all fours; as an adult, he walks on two legs and; in old age, he uses a walking stick". Oedipus was the first to answer the riddle correctly and, having heard Oedipus' answer, the Sphinx was astounded and inexplicably killed herself by throwing herself into the sea. Oedipus thereby won the freedom of the Thebans, the kingdom of that city, and his wife, Jocasta, who was later revealed to be his mother......thus giving the Freudian concept of Oedipus Complex in Psychology. The best thing about all the fools is their 'laudable' attitude. They're so cool, nay nonchalant, about their stupidity. A fool's audacious self-belief is his strength and also his undoing, depending upon the situation and context. Lest I should end up making a fool of myself, I had better stop writing about fools who're not bad humans. Remember, foolishness is contagious. May their tribe increase, sorry, decrease! We cannot tolerate a battalion of fools. ------ A regular columnist for New Age Islam, Sumit Paul is a researcher in comparative religions, with special reference to Islam. He has contributed articles to the world's premier publications in several languages including Persian. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/fools-theme-satire-song/d/134394 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism