The word normal might just be the most ill-defined word in the entire English-speaking lexicon. As it is commonly used, it presumes that a standard criterion of assessment exists as a commonly shared perception . . . as if perception could somehow be standardized. And whereas a statistical profile can be created that can retrospectively observe what has been considered culturally normal, the curve and zeitgeist of culture are in no way obligated to conform to such a profile – making of what we describe as normal nothing more than an experiential self-referencing. But even so, we seem to intuitively know that the changing of cultural norms must be scrutinized and examined . . . and not merely accepted.
In the book of Proverbs, we find both the extolling of wisdom and cautionary warnings against the foolish – “the fool” being a reoccurring character. There are two distinct intended meanings here. One is the fool…
