The Gold Gate of the Carnival
- Ariane Bilheran
- 1 day ago
- 8 min read
Unicorn #25 by Ariane Bilheran, February 15, 2026.
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The philosophical tradition of ancient Greece, among the pre-Socratics, debated whether it was better to laugh with Democritus or weep with Heraclitus about the world's misfortunes, the tragedy of existence, and the folly of humankind. In Book I, Chapter 50 of his Essays, our philosopher Montaigne settles the debate: laughter is more appropriate, wiser and more realistic, in the face of human errors, follies, and stupidity. Now, it is also this popular wisdom that is revealed during Carnival, and since we are at the heart of these festivities, I invite you to open with me the golden door of the second largest Carnival in the world…
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