Weekly Thought – February 22, 2022
Fred studied philosophy, applying his principles and truths to life. One area of particular interest to him was humor. He took very little at face value, but diligently investigated subjects. These thoughts certainly exemplify this exercise.
Good Humor
Good humor is a way of looking at life. It believes nothing is perfect. In this it gives us the freedom to relax a bit and laugh. It recognizes that we all have our good and bad days. Good humor operates with the slippage of a belt drive, not the exacting gear teeth which are unable to give without breaking.
The best thing about humor is that it grows out of our need for it. The more we desperately need it, the stronger it develops. For example, the inner person is saved from destruction by a spirit of good humor even while the outer person is being tortured or tormented. This humor is for the persecuted. It has kept our spirits up even during bitter periods when cynicism was poured out like acid or depression felt like a malady.
When the illogical masquerades as logic it must be treated with humor. For example, I heard about the hippie caught in a house before stealing anything was asked by the owner, “What are you doing here?” “Man, everybody has got to be somewhere” was his reply. There is such logic to that statement it just has to be funny.
Natural humor occurs so frequently that we don’t have to work to be funny. In fact, those that try for laughs strain the interaction. We rightfully resent anyone who manipulates a situation into a setting for one of oft-told stories or smart-alecky remarks. Being used as a foil isn’t appreciated. When humorous comments come naturally they bring laughter. Otherwise it feels like an imposition.
Often we think of humorous and serious as being antithetical. Actually, they are two sides of the same coin. They are simply two separate ways of expressing the same thought, not two different thoughts. The most profound thought can be expressed humorously in the right setting with respect. Most people that so they opt for serious communication thinking it will be heard and received. When we think of humor as a variation, it gives the freedom to be bi-lingua. We can speak two languages with equal fluency having the ability to move from one to another with ease and appropriateness.
Humorist William Zinsser found in his Yale writing class that “students strove at first for humor, hoping to bag a few truths along the way. We ended up striving for truth and hoping to add humor along the way. Ultimately, we realized the two are intertwined.”
This week think about: 1) Who makes me uncomfortable with the constant effort to be funny? 2) How can I develop my own sense of humor? 3) When have I used humor to protect myself from pain?
Words of Wisdom: “Good humor is a way of looking at life.”
Wisdom from the Word: “A joyful heart makes the face cheerful, but by a painful heart the spirit is broken.” (Proverbs 15:13 NET Bible)