proverb · Words worth keeping
A fool is reckless and careless.
A fool is reckless and careless.
Historical period not yet established
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
The saying characterises a fool as reckless and careless. It makes disregard for consequences central to the label.
What the words are saying
The two adjectives emphasise an inattentive approach rather than supplying a particular example. A useful application describes what risks or responsibilities were overlooked. It should not classify someone’s entire character from one error or make caution mean avoiding every uncertain task.
Everyday example
A team identifies a neglected check and improves the process rather than defining a colleague by the mistake.
When to use it
Use it to discuss specific neglected consequences or responsibilities.
What it does not mean
One mistake does not define a person, and uncertainty does not itself make an action reckless.
Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- Historical period not yet established
No sufficiently supported historical placement has been established. Import and download dates are not treated as composition dates. - Recorded source
- Contributor-provided proverb reference
Supplied reference A; unit 154; PDF page 26
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.