Laughter Against the False King
Prophets mock idols; court jesters speak truths forbidden to officials; Blake, Swift, and Chesterton use wit to puncture false seriousness. Satire can expose the False King where solemn argument fails. The Bard must retain the Fool’s freedom, spontaneity, wandering, play, and holy foolishness. A sacred culture needs laughter so mastery does not harden into pomposity.