Who is the bigger fool?

[JustJack]

Who's the bigger fool?

#1: The one who, despite the fact that he knows he cannot win, still fights, only to lose everything?

OR

#2: The one who, knowing the fact that he cannot win, does not fight, losing pride and respect for turning away the battle?

[Leaping Larry Jojo]

It depends what's at stake. If it's the end of the world, #2 is the fool. If it's a complicated situation involving something like a teenage crush, #1 is sometimes the bigger fool.

I've been on both sides, so I'd know. As for those who'd pick #2 the bigger fool...let me tell ya, I didn't feel any smarter or more respected when I was fool #1.

[Barb Gordon]

If we're talking about like a war, saving the world, a sports match, etc., then #2 is always going to be the bigger fool. But if it's something like having a crush like Larry said, or even fighting when you're wrong, and you know it, then #1 is the bigger fool. In the end, both are big fools, but the circumstances will decide which one if the biggest at that particular moment.

~Barb

[ZorBrak]

Fighting for what you believe in is never foolish if you can make even the slightest difference, but if it's like gambling or something number one is the fool, but I went ahead and voted number 2 the fool thinking on super hero terms :p

[RogueMartian]

I would say that if there is no gain and no hope of winning, then it is probably foolish to fight no matter what the scenario. If a huge couldn't-even-be-destroyed-by-a-nuclear-missile asteroid is going to hit earth then there would really be no point for a person to stand on a hill and throw rocks at it. Even in petty situations like fighting the school bully over a real or perceived insult. If the bully beats you up, you'll be humiliated for the rest of your school career. If you run away, you'll be humiliated for the rest of your school career. No hope of winning means no point in fighting.

Now if there is hope. If you believe you can help lead people to freedom, save the earth, or end the conflict between you and the bully, then fighting does have a point.

[SonGoku V3]

Originally posted by Barb Gordon
If we're talking about like a war, saving the world, a sports match, etc., then #2 is always going to be the bigger fool. But if it's something like having a crush like Larry said, or even fighting when you're wrong, and you know it, then #1 is the bigger fool. In the end, both are big fools, but the circumstances will decide which one if the biggest at that particular moment.

~Barb

I agree with this, it depends on the situation.

[Chris Sanders MSX]

On all accounts #1 is the bigger fool.

Pride can be gained back, and depending on who you are, respect means absolutely nothing as long as you still respect yourself.

That's a thing my friends respect about me is that I could careless what they think about me as long as I'm happy.

But I accidently voted for #2

[Weatherman]

Ditto for me on what Chris said. Sometimes you just have to accept what's going to happen. If fighting is garunteed to not change the outcome, there's no point.

[Terminatah]

#2 is more foolish because he is guaranteeing his own loss.

-Terminatah

[jeffrey 228]

Well number 1 has more points if you with not to lose your life if you are in a bit fight.

[Pilmedium]

#1 is the bigger fool. If you will almost definitely lose, why risk it?

[Sandro]

It really depends on the situation. France during WWII is a good example of fool #2 because they surrendered to the Nazis after they literally marched around their frickin' retarded Maginot Line. You have to fight for things not just give up when it looks like you won't win. So, my choice is #2.

[TimTwoFace]

No matter what the case, #1 will still be going out with a sense of pride. However, in most cases, #2 is better - if the fight isn't of any importance, why bother with it at all? Wouldn't you rather be alive than be dead? Thought so.

That, and hey...I just like number two. :)

-Tim