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About this quote

What does it mean?
Specific jokes may fade, but the essence of humor endures.
In plain terms
Humor as a concept lasts longer than individual jokes.
What can you take from it?
Focus on the spirit of humor, not just specific jokes.

Where it applies

  • writing comedy
  • storytelling
  • performance

Putting it to work

  • study timeless humor
  • adapt jokes to context

Questions to consider

  • What makes a joke timeless?
  • How do you keep humor fresh?

Another view

Some specific gags remain culturally relevant for decades.

More from Jack Benny

  1. 'Modesty is my best quality'

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  2. (when walking to his dressing room) 'Fibber McGee... and Molly. Burns... And Allen. Lady and... Here's mine.'

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  3. 'Hors D'oeuvre: A ham sandwich cut into forty pieces'

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