How can a wise man be a fool?

Answer 1

Wisdom relates to experience. A wise (experienced) man can find himself in a situation, and see himself to be a fool (or know that others who see him will think he is a fool), possibly through circumstances beyond his control.

Shakespeare had the following to say about the subject:

The fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself to be fool

(from "As You Like It")

Given that you've posted this question in "Relationships", here's something to ponder.

In the movie "10 Things I Hate About You", Patrick (Heath Ledger) steals a microphone connected to the school's PA system, then publicly humiliates himself by singing (badly) to impress Kat (Julia Stiles). Everyone there thinks he's a fool, but it works, and he does impress her.

So, was he a fool, or a wise man, or both?

Incidentally, that movie is based on another of Shakespeare's plays, "The Taming Of The Shrew" - the film is actually full of Shakespeare references...