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About this quote

What does it mean?
Laughter arises from a sudden feeling of superiority or triumph over others.
In plain terms
We laugh when we suddenly feel better than someone else.
What can you take from it?
Recognize that humor often stems from feeling superior to others.

Where it applies

  • social interaction
  • mockery
  • entertainment

Putting it to work

  • observe triggers of your laughter
  • avoid laughing at others' misfortune

Questions to consider

  • Why did that joke make you laugh?
  • Does laughing always mean you feel superior?

Another view

Not all laughter comes from superiority; some is purely physical or joyous.

More from Thomas Hobbes

  1. The privilege of absurdity; to which no living creature is subject but man only.

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  2. Hope For Appetite with an opinion of attaining, is called HOPE. Despaire The same, without such opinion, DESPAIRE.

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  3. :Science is the knowledge of Consequences, and dependence of one fact upon another:

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