This month that begins with April Fool's Day is an apt occasion to consider all the wisdom written about foolishness. Here's a sampling to consider this April Fool's Day and the rest of the year:

Abraham Lincoln observed, "It is true that you may fool all the people some of the time; you can even fool some of the people all the time; but you can't fool all of the people all the time." In politics, you might get away with fooling some people, but don't try to fool anyone in the animation and visual effects business. Don't misrepresent yourself on your résumé or put others' work in your portfolio. The business is much too small to get away with lying on your résumé or padding your portfolio with work you didn't do. One prominent producer/director was approached by a candidate with a gorgeous portfolio. Imagine the surprise of the producer/director when he viewed his own work in the portfolio of the candidate.

Marcus Tullius Cicero found that, "It is the nature of every person to err, but only the fool perseveres in error." If you keep running into the same obstacle, try a new approach. Perhaps you've sent your résumé and demo reel to three dozen employers and have received absolutely no responses. Instead of sending the same materials to another three dozen companies, get feedback from someone.

Benjamin Franklin tells us, "Wise men don't need advice. Fools don't take it." No one welcomes unsolicited advice. But if you ask someone for an opinion of your work, don't argue with the assessment or get defensive. Take notes and give their comments some thought. There may be some ideas that are useful to you.

Publius Syrus advises, "Let a fool hold his tongue and he will pass for a sage." Don't be fooled into badmouthing co-workers, former colleagues, or bosses. Avoid speaking ill of former supervisors during interviews, even if asked. You might be perceived as a difficult employee if you gripe. Don't get known as a complainer by people who might help you find work some day. If you have a legitimate complaint, think of a solution to the problem and present both to a person who can do something to help.

Robert Burton called those with a short-term view, "Penny wise, pound foolish." Sometimes it will make sense to consider taking a lower paying job if you will learn more and grow. Building your skills and experience is a wiser choice than taking a job where your possibility for learning is limited, even though the pay may be better. When weighing job offers and opportunities, consider what you will learn as well as what you will earn. Building skills and relationships that will sustain a long career may be a wiser choice than earning some short-term dollars.

"He who asks a question is a fool for five minutes, he who does not ask a question remains a fool forever." — Chinese proverb.

People are afraid they will look foolish if they ask questions. No one expects you to be an expert when you begin a job. Each company has its own ways of doing things, so take advantage of being the new kid on the block and feel free to ask questions about policy and procedures. Even if you have been on the job awhile, it's better to clarify directions than to make assumptions.

Thomas Tusser predicted, "A fool and his money are soon parted." When you land your job, don't spend your money splurging on that long coveted BMW/Bali vacation/Botox treatment. It's better to save your money until you have enough stashed away so you could meet your living expenses for 6 months, as it may take you that long to land a job if you are laid off. Living expenses include your rent and utilities, food, transportation and taxes. Remember to put money away for the job search too — it costs money to find a job (résumé printing, demo reel duplication and postage and transportation and grooming costs — hair cuts, clothing).