ESK PIKE

A LITTLE LEARNING

The fool's mind covers lightly, like snow.
The student's mind runs onward, like water.
The tutor's mind endures, rugged as rock.

The fool's laughter clears the belly.
The student's laughter clears the throat.
The tutor's laughter clears the mind.

The fool has much to swig.

The student has much to say.
The tutor has much to think.


The sage hovers idly,
brimming with mirth!


Humour can give sublime insights into the heights and depths of human nature, riddled with paradox and self-contradiction.

By not taking intellectual matters too seriously, the fool retains a huge capacity for imbibing wisdom.
By seeing the funny, as well as serious, aspects of philosophical enquiry, the student's progress stays balanced.
By not taking themself too seriously, the tutor remains durable and free from dogmatic inflexibility.

Tao does not intrude, but remains a resource to interact with; seeming to understand and accept 'what fools these mortals be!'


JOINED-UP THINKING