By Remy Majangkim
KOTA KINABALU: It is not that I am any better. But I see some mistakes being made repeatedly. So I recalled my grandfather’s advice on situations such as this, and thought I should share it.
The world is a grand stage. Among its many characters, the fool is a recurring role.
Spotting a fool is easy.
It is less about intelligence and more about attitude—a certain stubbornness that clings to the illusion of certainty.
Hallmarks of Foolishness
Arrogance of Certainty
Fools are convinced they have all the answers. They rarely ask questions, and when they do, it’s only to confirm what they already believe.
Their confidence is unshakeable, even when built on shaky ground.
Fixation on Trivialities
Instead of seeing the big picture, fools latch onto a minor detail—often something picked up from a friend, a meme, or a random internet post.
This detail becomes their shield and sword, wielded in every argument, regardless of the truth of its content or its relevance.
Borrowed Knowledge, Not Earned
The fool’s wisdom is second-hand. They parrot facts and opinions that aren’t the result of their thinking or research. It’s like wearing someone else’s shoes and insisting they fit perfectly.
Blindness to Complexity
The world is vast, layered, and full of shifting subtleties.
Fools, however, see only what’s in front of them.
They ignore the historical context, the documents, the languages, and the timelines that shape reality.
For example, understanding Singapore’s exit from Malaysia requires more than a single fact—it demands a mastery of many disciplines.
Defensiveness When Challenged
When their narrow view is threatened, the fool reacts like a cornered animal—growling, lashing out, or doubling down.
The more trapped they feel, the louder their protest.
The Wisdom of the Hunter OF TRUTH
To avoid being the fool, or falling prey to one, become the Hunter of Truth. Remember the following:
Embrace Curiosity.
The wise are always learning, always questioning.
They know that every answer leads to more questions.
See the Whole Picture
Don’t get lost in the weeds.
Step back and consider the broader context.
Own Your Understanding
Make knowledge your own.
Read, reflect, and reason for yourself.
Stay cool, be humble.
The world is too big for any one person to master.
Humility is the mark of true wisdom.
In the end, the fool is not defined by ignorance, but by the refusal to see beyond it.
The hunter, patient and observant, knows that the real power lies in understanding the whole landscape, not just the patch of grass beneath his feet.
