TL;DR

The Holy Fool—the ace in the deck of archetypes—teaches us that humility, curiosity, and courage disrupt norms and challenge assumptions. In leadership, this archetype thrives in discomfort, unpredictability, and the willingness to endure ridicule for the sake of a greater truth. From Donald Trump’s audacious persona to the immense psychological weight of being President of the United States, this role reminds us that true leadership requires changing the game, not just playing it. Perspective sharpens gratitude, and gratitude keeps us grounded.

The Burden of the Role We Critique

We’ve all been there—sitting in the passenger seat, questioning the driver’s decisions. It’s easy to think, “If I were in charge, I’d do it differently.” But what happens when you’re handed the keys?

Being the leader of a nation—especially during volatile times—isn’t just a position of power; it’s a relentless emotional and psychological burden. The President of the United States doesn’t just manage policies—they bear responsibility for global stability. They make decisions that ripple outward, impacting millions of lives.

And yet, we critique these leaders as if we fully understand their choices. It’s like a child in the backseat asking, “Are we there yet?” over and over, not realizing the road ahead is filled with uncertainties and unseen hazards. The truth is, most of us wouldn’t last a day in that driver’s seat.

The Holy Fool: The Ace in the Deck

The Holy Fool, like the ace in a deck of cards, is often underestimated. To the untrained eye, the ace seems insignificant compared to the face cards—the king, queen, or jack. But in the right hands, the ace can change the entire game. It doesn’t follow the same rules as the others, and its value lies in its unpredictability and versatility.

This is the essence of the Holy Fool archetype. They challenge assumptions, disrupt the status quo, and force us to confront uncomfortable truths. To outsiders, they may seem reckless or dangerous, but their strength lies in their ability to operate outside conventional norms and create new possibilities.

Donald Trump embodies this paradox. His larger-than-life persona wasn’t accidental—it was a deliberate strategy to navigate volatile global threats like Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin. These leaders don’t respond to diplomacy or niceties—they respect strength and unpredictability. Trump’s brashness sent a message: “I’m willing to play this game—and win.”

It’s easy to dismiss this approach as reckless, but the Holy Fool’s power lies in their willingness to disrupt comfort. They force us to see the flaws in the game we’re playing, making space for transformation. Trump’s persona, polarizing as it was, amplified his absurdity to provoke deeper conversations about leadership, power, and global stability.

Biases, Icks, and Unseen Depths

We all have biases—snap judgments and “icks” that shape our opinions before we’ve gathered the full picture. Sometimes, it’s an instinctive reaction to someone’s tone or demeanor. Other times, it’s rooted in deeper insecurities. But unchecked biases keep us in the shallow end of understanding.

When I think about Trump, what fascinates me isn’t the polarization surrounding him but the missed opportunity to dig deeper. What drives someone to make the decisions they do? What internal pressures do they face? You don’t have to like someone to learn from them.

The Holy Fool teaches us that there’s always more than meets the eye. Their actions often challenge us to question not just their motives but our own assumptions. Are we reacting to what they’re doing—or to what they represent in us?

The Responsibility of Leadership

Leadership, especially at the highest level, is about making decisions under immense pressure, knowing you’ll be ridiculed no matter what you do. The Holy Fool isn’t afraid to embrace this ridicule because they see the bigger picture. They’re not trying to win every hand—they’re trying to change the game.

Before forming strong opinions about a leader, ask yourself:

• Am I reacting to their choices, or to my own biases?

• Do I fully understand the context behind their decisions?

• Would I be willing to endure the same scrutiny and weight of responsibility?

If the answer to the last question is no, then maybe it’s time to pause and ask a better one: What can I learn from their choices—even the ones I disagree with?

Changing the Game: The Holy Fool’s Warning

The ace in the deck doesn’t follow the same rules as the other cards. It disrupts the hierarchy and challenges expectations. In the same way, the Holy Fool forces us to reexamine the systems we’ve come to accept as normal. Their actions may seem disruptive in the moment, but their intent is to pave the way for growth and transformation.

But this role comes with risks. The Holy Fool must embrace discomfort, endure criticism, and trust that their actions will create a greater good—even if they’re misunderstood.

The question is: Are we willing to do the same? Are we willing to check our biases, get curious, and consider the unseen pressures of leadership? Or are we content to sit in the backseat, endlessly asking, “Are we there yet?”

Perspective, Gratitude, and Curiosity

The Holy Fool reminds us that leadership isn’t about perfection or pleasing everyone. It’s about the courage to act, the humility to embrace ridicule, and the audacity to challenge norms.

Gratitude sharpens perspective, and perspective keeps us grounded. The next time you feel tempted to critique, pause. Consider what you don’t know. Ask yourself whether you’d want the responsibility of steering the car. And above all else, stop asking, “Are we there yet?”