愚昧人或是愚昧?

在很多的文化裡，有趣的是人們會公開的承認自己的愚昧!例如在美國四月一日是愚人節，在某些國家則叫做「全愚節」。有些人則會在這一天惡作劇，例如寄給其他人一些錯誤的資訊讓他們相信等等。

關於愚人節的由來，由喬叟1392年的經典文學、坎特伯利故事集和其他歐洲以及中東文化看來，大概可以追朔到西元十六世紀。但是「愚昧」這件事本身，大概是從有人類開始就有了!

有一句古諺說：「傻瓜和他的錢很快就分家了」。另外一句則說:「傻瓜搶著去天使不敢去的地方。」我們很多人對錯誤的關係或是有問題的投資都感到很後悔。我們心想:「當時我到底在想什麼呢?」但是無論在職場或是私人領域，偶爾少根筋和習慣性的當傻瓜差別是很大的。

也難怪一本雋永的作品叫做「聖經」談到愚昧人和愚昧，其中很多的原則都可以應用在二十一世紀的職場上。如箴言說到:

第一、愚昧要付出很大的代價 : 一個我們經營很久或是很有價值的事業或工作，往往只因為一個不負責的動作就毀了。「智慧婦人建立家室；愚妄婦人親手拆毀。」(箴言14章1節)

第二、不小心的習慣會讓你成為愚昧的人 : 一個聰明的人會評估其他可行性和後果，拒絕匆匆忙忙就下決定。但是一個愚昧的人總是不顧後果，衝動行事。「通達人的智慧在乎明白己道；愚昧人的愚妄乃是詭詐（或譯：自欺）。」(箴言14章8節)

第三、愚昧人短視近利 : 聰明人會注重在有價值的事物上，但是愚昧人總是分心去做其他的事情。「無知的人以愚妄為樂；聰明的人按正直而行。」(箴言15章21節)

第四、愚昧人口無遮攔: 智慧會引導人說出恰當的話 愚昧人則是想都不想就說出來。「愚昧人張嘴啟爭端，開口招鞭打。 愚昧人的口自取敗壞；他的嘴是他生命的網羅。」(箴言18章6-7節)

第五、愚昧人的管理不負責任: 一個聰明的人致力於小心謹慎善用資源，但是愚昧人不但浪費對未來也不做計畫。「智慧人家中積蓄寶物膏油；愚昧人隨得來隨吞下。」(箴言21:20)

勞勃．泰默西是領袖資產協會的傳播部副部長，這是一個總部在美國喬治亞州亞特蘭大的非營利組織。他也是一個有40年經驗的退休新聞工作者。他寫過一本書「最佳狀態的商業：箴言給今日職場的歷久彌新智慧」（Business At Its Best: Timeless Wisdom from Proverbs for Today”s Workplace）。他也與David A. Stoddard合著一本書「導師之心」（The Heart of Mentoring）。要了解更多資訊, 可上網www.leaderslegacy.com 或上他的部落格www.bobtamasy.blogspot.com以及www.bobtamasy.wordpress.com 。

It is interesting that many cultures have seen fit to formally recognize fools and foolishness. April 1, in the United States and many other nations, is known as “April Fools” Day.” In some countries they call it “All Fools Day.” For some this provides an excuse for pulling a harmless prank or practical joke on someone, or fooling them by trying to convince them of information that is erroneous.

There are various theories about the origin of April Fools” Day, including Chaucer”s 1392 literary classic, The Canterbury Tales, and observances in Europe and the Middle East that trace as far back as the sixth century. But one thing is certain: Fools – and foolishness – have existed since the beginning of time.

There is the saying that “a fool and his money are soon parted.” Another states, “Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.” Most of us have been guilty of forming bad relationships, making questionable investments or poor decisions that left us wondering, “What was I thinking?” But there is a difference between occasional foolishness and habitually being a fool, professionally or personally.

It is not surprising that the timeless collection of writings called the Bible speaks about foolishness – and fools. Much of it applies to the 21st century workplace. Here is a sampling from the book of Proverbs:

The high cost of foolishness. We can labor years to build up something worthwhile – a business, a career, a marriage or family – that can be destroyed with a single act of irresponsibility. "The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears it down" (Proverbs 14:1).

The mindless habits of being a fool. A wise person refuses to make hasty decisions, evaluating alternatives and weighing possible consequences. But a fool acts on impulse without worrying about negative outcomes. "The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception" (Proverbs 14:8).

The short-sightedness of the foolish. Wisdom prompts people to remain focused on worthwhile goals, but foolish people can be easily sidetracked and lose sight of their objectives. "Folly delights a man who lacks judgment, but a man of understanding keeps a straight course" (Proverbs 15:21).

The undisciplined, reckless speech of a fool. Wisdom guides people in what is appropriate to say – and what not to say. Foolish people are quick to speak without considering the aftermath of their words. "A fool”s lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating. A fool”s mouth is his undoing, and his lips are a snare to his soul " (Proverbs 18:6-7).

The irresponsible stewardship of the fool. A wise person strives to utilize resources properly and carefully, but fools are wasteful and rarely plan for future needs. “In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has” (Proverbs 21:20).

Robert J. Tamasy is vice president of communications for Leaders Legacy, Inc., a non-profit organization based in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A. A veteran journalist, he has written Tufting Legacies (iUniverse); Business At Its Best: Timeless Wisdom from Proverbs for Today”s Workplace (River City Press); and has coauthored with David A. Stoddard, The Heart of Mentoring (NavPress). For more information, see www.leaderslegacy.com or his blogs, www.bobtamasy.blogspot.com and www.bobtamasy.wordpress.com.