The first of April is the day we remember what we are the other 364 days of the year. - Mark Twain

If there is one main fault of the human race, it is that we take ourselves too seriously. And while, these days, a fool is considered to be a derogatory term, in history, fools were actually cultural icons. In the olden days of Russia, "the fool had the right to sit at table with his master, and say whatever came into his head."

Oh yes, that’s the job for me, to sit next to important people, and speak without thinking first. In fact, I believe that talent comes naturally to me.

Oh yes, fools and jesters in history are known for their antics, songs, acting and silliness, but in truth, many jesters were also trusted advisors and critics. These were the characteristics that separated the fool from an actor, and in truth, quite often are what made the fools of historical courts valuable. For only the fool could criticize the king, and only the fool could speak so frankly and honestly to (and about) royalty.

In Fools Are Everywhere, author Beatrice K. Otto noted, "It is in the nature of jesters to speak their minds when the mood takes them, regardless of the consequences. They are neither calculating nor circumspect, and this may account for the ‘foolishness’ often ascribed to them."

In fact, historical fools carried more respect than we would think. "The jester was perceived as being on the side of the people, the little man fighting oppression by the powerful... Yet he is no rebel or revolutionary. His detached stance allows him to take the side of the victim in order to curb the excesses of the system without ever trying to overthrow it—his purpose is not to replace one system with another, but to free us from the fetters of all systems."

The respected fools of history had the wisdom to take no sides, after hearing all sides. In cultures of the past, fools were the only voices for the people through self-humiliation, for reason through humor, for wisdom through antics.

So this month, let’s celebrate the fool. When I realize I have traditionally foolish traits, I now am proud of them, not ashamed. This month’s issue, as you may have noticed, will help you stand proudly as a fool -- because if you’re reading this, right now to others, you appear to be holding the magazine upside down. Don’t fear appearing foolish, embrace it. Let others look at you and shake your head, because though you may look outwardly foolish, within these pages, you will find practical wisdom.

Laugh, smile, and dare to embarrass yourselves. For this is the month when we remember, in each of us there is a fool.