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Fools paradise

Posted by Smokey Stover on June 13, 2005

In Reply to: Fools paradize posted by Anna on June 13, 2005

: fools paradize

I'm assuming you meant "fool's paradise." (If not, read no further.) The always handy Oxford English Dictionary defines it thus: " 1. A state of illusory happiness or good fortune; enjoyment based on false hopes or anticipations.
[citations:]
1462 W. PASTON in Paston Lett. No. 457 II. 109, I wold not be in a folis paradyce. 1477 NORTON Ord. Alch. ii. in Ashm. 28 For lewde hope is fooles Paradice. [etc.]

There used to be an instrument something like a kaleidoscope (I think) called a Fool's Paradise.

Thomas Gray has fathered an interesting and oft-quoted couplet in his "Ode on a distant prospect of Eton": "Where ignorance is bliss, / Tis folly to be wise." SS

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