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About this quote

What does it mean?
The quote claims human laughter can be more frightening and varied than human crying.
In plain terms
Laughter can be scarier and more fake than tears.
What can you take from it?
Not all joy is genuine.

Where it applies

  • analyzing behavior
  • writing drama
  • social observation

Putting it to work

  • observe social cues
  • explore dark humor

Questions to consider

  • When does laughter signal distress?
  • Is crying more honest than smiling?

Another view

It assumes laughter is often negative, which ignores genuine joy.

More from James Thurber

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  2. I always begin at the left with the opening word of the sentence and read toward the right and I recommend this method.

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  3. Comedy has to be done en clair. You can't blunt the edge of wit or the point of satire with obscurity. Try to imagine a famous witty saying that is not immedia…

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