"A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men"

Roald Dahl’s playful assertion, “A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men,” celebrates the unexpected virtue of whimsy and silliness in life. It refutes the stereotype that intelligence and wisdom must always go hand-in-hand with solemnity and seriousness. Instead, Dahl proposes that the truly wise appreciate the purpose and pleasure of occasional foolishness. Their wisdom, rather than rejecting nonsense as frivolous, makes room for it, perhaps even sees it as essential.

Nonsense can serve as a liberating break from routine and rigidity. For wise individuals who often bear the burdens of responsibility, reflection, and rational thought, dabbling in nonsense can offer a valuable escape, rekindling creativity and perspective. Moments of foolishness dissolve stress and foster joy, reminding us that playfulness is not at odds with intellect but can be a partner to it.

Moreover, the appreciation of nonsense requires a certain openness and humility. To delight in absurdity is to accept that not everything must conform to logic or practicality. It is an acknowledgment that life’s richness includes the irrational and the light-hearted. The wisest men, rather than striving to control every aspect of existence through reason, accept and even celebrate those moments that defy explanation.

Nonsense, too, can encourage novel thinking. Playful ideas and humor nurture innovation and flexibility of mind, attributes often found in those considered wise. By embracing a bit of nonsense, the wise maintain their capacity for wonder and surprise, refusing to grow calcified in their thinking.

In essence, wisdom is not a rejection of the nonsensical, but an understanding of its place in a balanced life. Dahl’s words are a gentle reminder that levity and lightness are not only permissible but desirable, and that wisdom itself is deepened, not diminished, by a dose of cheer and folly.