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About this quote

What does it mean?
Humor relies on unexpected twists or information to create laughter.
In plain terms
Surprise is the key ingredient for making people laugh.
What can you take from it?
Use unexpected twists to make your jokes land better.

Where it applies

  • storytelling
  • joke writing
  • public speaking

Putting it to work

  • build tension before a punchline
  • subvert audience expectations

Questions to consider

  • What did you expect before the twist?
  • How did the surprise change your feeling?

Another view

Not all humor works without context or shared knowledge.

More from Aristotle

  1. The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.

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  2. The soul never thinks without a picture.

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  3. The only stable state is the one in which all men are equal before the law.

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