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About this quote

What does it mean?
A humorous remark or joke is harmless compared to serious actions.
In plain terms
Jokes do not cause real harm.
What can you take from it?
Verbal humor is generally harmless.

Where it applies

  • casual conversation
  • conflict resolution
  • public speaking

Putting it to work

  • use humor to defuse tension
  • keep jokes light

Questions to consider

  • Is all humor harmless?
  • When do jokes cross the line?

Another view

Jokes can sometimes hurt feelings deeply.

More from Samuel Johnson

  1. My friend was of opinion that when a man of rank appeared in that character [as an author], he deserved to have his merit handsomely allowed.

    Permalink to quote #183
  2. I have two very cogent reasons for not printing any list of subscribers; - one, that I have lost all the names, - the other, that I have spent all the money.

    Permalink to quote #185
  3. Classical quotation is the parole of literary men all over the world.

    Permalink to quote #182

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