Wise Fool

I vividly remember the sense of importance I felt in high school and college when I was promoted from the lowly status of Freshman to the lofty realm of Sophomore.  

And rightly so. I’d paid my newbie dues. Been around the block. Now I knew how things worked. I am Sophomore, hear me roar. 

I know, I know. But it’s an attitude that we tend to carry with us long after graduation. Once we have a year under our belt at pretty much anything, we fancy ourselves the expert. 

So imagine my amusement when my son recently told me how the word Sophomore translates in Greek. The root “sophos” means clever or wise. So far, so good. But the word “moros” takes an unexpected turn. It means foolish. It’s where we get the term “moron.” Put it together and Sophomore means Wise Fool or Clever Moron.

If I’d known that back in school, I would’ve remained a bit more humble. But it’s also a timely reminder for us now.  Because the moment we assume we know all there is to know, we show that we’re actually still a Sophomore.

Order your copy of The Eden Option here.