Humor must not professedly teach, and it must not professedly preach, but it must do both if it would live forever.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- True humor needs to convey deeper truths to remain relevant over time.
- In plain terms
- Funny things must also teach or say something real to last.
- What can you take from it?
- Combine entertainment with substance for lasting impact.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What makes something funny?
- How do you add meaning?
Another view
Some light humor remains popular purely for entertainment.
More from Mark Twain
The past does not repeat itself, but it rhymes.
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