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Why We Should All Aspire to be The Greater Fool

For the nth time, I finished watching reruns of The Newsroom, all 3 seasons! I don’t understand why I love it so much perhaps because it was relatable and engaging. Anyway, there was one particular scene that resonated with me — the moment when Will and Sloan were talking about what a Greater Fool is —

The greater fool is actually an economic term. It’s a patsy. For the rest of us to profit, we need a greater fool— someone who will buy long and sell short. Most people spend their life trying not to be the greater fool; we toss him the hot potato, we dive for his seat when the music stops. The greater fool is someone with the perfect blend of self-delusion and ego to think that he can succeed where others have failed. This whole country was made by greater fools.

This world badly needs greater fools — the outliers, the exceptions. Those who will do whatever it takes to change the world, crazy and cliche as it may sound. Those who believe that it can be done even if it meant standing alone and going against the majority.

We need people who see themselves as the greater fool because believe it or not, these people have what most people don’t — courage.

Courage to stand for what they believe in, to fight for what is fair and just, and to restore faith in humanity. It’s never an easy feat and it can only end in 2 ways: they either succeed or they die trying.