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About this quote

What does it mean?
Humor often reveals underlying realities that people ignore. Look for the deeper meaning behind what makes something laughable.
In plain terms
Funny things usually hide important truths.
What can you take from it?
Use laughter to uncover hidden realities.

Where it applies

  • analyzing comedy
  • understanding satire
  • debating social norms

Putting it to work

  • study comedic timing
  • read satirical essays
  • critique funny news

Questions to consider

  • What did that joke really say about society?
  • Why did this specific thing make me laugh?

Another view

Not all humor contains deep truth; some is just nonsense.

More from George Bernard Shaw

  1. We have established what you are, madam. We are now merely haggling over the price.

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  2. Youth is such a wonderful thing. What a crime to waste it on children.[1]

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  3. War does not decide who is right but who is left.

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