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About this quote

What does it mean?
Comedy often arises from tragic events after enough time has passed to process them.
In plain terms
Funny things often start as sad events that time makes easier to laugh at.
What can you take from it?
Time helps turn painful experiences into humor.

Where it applies

  • recovering from loss
  • writing comedy
  • coping with grief

Putting it to work

  • write about past pain
  • share stories after time passes
  • reframe hardships

Questions to consider

  • What painful event became funny for you over time?
  • How does time change your view of sad events?

Another view

Not all tragedies become funny even with time.

More from Carol Burnett

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  2. Giving birth is like taking your lower lip and forcing it over your head.

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  3. Adolescence is just one big walking pimple.

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