Franz Schubert: 'The greatest misfortune of the wise man and the greatest unhappiness of the fool are based upon convention.'

The greatest misfortune of the wise man and the greatest unhappiness of the fool are based upon convention.

"The greatest misfortune of the wise man and the greatest unhappiness of the fool are based upon convention" -Franz Schubert.At first glance, this quote appears to highlight the negative implications of convention in the lives of both the wise and the foolish. Convention, in this context, can be understood as a social construct or set of norms that dictate how individuals behave and make decisions. The quote suggests that adhering too closely to convention can lead to unfortunate outcomes for both the wise and the foolish.Convention, undoubtedly, plays a significant role in our lives. It provides us with a framework for understanding the world, shaping our thoughts, and influencing our actions. Conforming to convention can offer a sense of security and stability, as it aligns us with the larger society. However, as Schubert argues, blindly following convention can also come at a great cost.For the wise man, convention restricts his potential for growth and self-fulfillment. The wise man is someone who possesses deep knowledge, insight, and understanding. His misfortune lies in the fact that convention often discourages deviation from established norms and discourages unconventional thinking. By conforming to convention, the wise man is confined within the boundaries set by society, ultimately limiting his ability to challenge existing beliefs and push the boundaries of knowledge.On the other hand, convention acts as a painful trap for the fool. The fool, lacking wisdom and sound judgment, is more susceptible to the influence of convention. The unhappiness of the fool arises from the pressure to conform to societal expectations and the resulting feeling of inadequacy when he fails to meet those standards. The fool becomes trapped in a cycle of seeking validation and acceptance from others, conforming to conventional behavior even when it does not align with his own desires or values.However, the quote by Franz Schubert opens the door to a deeper exploration of convention and its relationship with human existence. It can be argued that convention, when understood critically, also offers structure and guidance necessary for a functioning society. Convention allows us to communicate, collaborate, and coordinate with others effectively. It helps maintain order, stability, and harmony within a community.But what if convention could be reevaluated and redefined? What if it wasn't an all-encompassing force that stifled individualism and creativity? A potential philosophical concept that could add an interesting twist to this discussion is that of "evolving convention." By embracing the idea that convention is not fixed but rather constantly evolving, we can encourage a more adaptable approach that incorporates respect for tradition while still allowing for innovation.Accepting the concept of evolving convention allows for a more harmonious balance between conformity and individual expression. It is through this balance that both the wise and the foolish can navigate their lives with greater agency and authenticity, while still benefiting from the advantages that convention offers. Embracing evolving convention gives room for introspection, critical thinking, and the freedom to question established norms.In conclusion, Franz Schubert's quote prompts us to reflect on the role of convention in our lives. It highlights the potential misfortune for the wise and unhappiness for the fool when they allow convention to dictate their actions without critically examining its influence. However, by introducing the concept of evolving convention, we can reimagine and reshape the role of convention in society, creating a space for individual growth, self-expression, and collective progress.