Literary notes about Foolish (AI summary)
The word "foolish" in literature often carries a multifaceted tone, ranging from lighthearted teasing to severe moral censure. Authors employ it to highlight characters' imprudent actions or misguided passions, whether it’s the self-admonition in a moment of regret [1, 2] or a pointed critique of societal or royal folly [3, 4]. In sacred texts and moral treatises, it underscores the contrast between wisdom and folly, serving as a cautionary marker against shortsighted behavior [5, 6, 7]. Meanwhile, in narratives that blend humor with insight, the term encapsulates a kind of endearing yet critical vulnerability, revealing the intricate interplay between human vanity and the lessons of life [8, 9].
- It was foolish of me, and yet I couldn't help it.
— from The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde - My foolish fondness for that boy blinded the eyes of my prudence—but it is better as it is.
— from The Castle of Otranto by Horace Walpole - And yet the foolish king Jayadratha had carried her away by force.
— from The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa, Volume 1 - He was in his disposition a proud and a foolish man, and lost [part of his] dominions by not hearkening to his father's friends.
— from Antiquities of the Jews by Flavius Josephus - For you gladly suffer the foolish: whereas yourselves are wise.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - For though I should have a mind to glory, I shall not be foolish: for I will say the truth.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - But the five foolish, having taken their lamps, did not take oil with them.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - "You are foolish, Jim, utterly foolish; a bad-tempered boy, that is all.
— from The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde - And how many other foolish things I did!
— from Project Gutenberg Compilation of Short Stories by Chekhov by Anton Pavlovich Chekhov