Morreall's comments for, against and just general comments made towards humor within Comic Relief really took me aback with how unstable and how ridiculously out there some of his viewpoints are towards humor.
Many of his comments seem viable such as humor having negative effects on oneself and society, but many of his concrete reasons as to why humor is negative were met with an ending that stated that "not all humor reflects this" or a rebuttal from some great philosopher that apparently knows better than us all.
What the last three chapters really solidified for me is humor is something that really cannot be defined by the words of one man or through the analysis or examples expressed by the worlds greatest comedians, philosophers or psychologists. Humor is so dependent upon the person experiencing or expressing it, that it is impossible for humor to have a set of established rules that fit seamlessly within the bounds of every joke or reason behind laughter.
While I do agree humor is absolutely a cognitive shift that goes through a process that repeats itself every time laughter is created, the reasoning behind that laughter cannot be defined as offensive, violent or insincere every time laughter is created. What I feel Morreall has created a book that indirectly is something in comparison to a small bible for humor. A guide with quotes, ideas and stories one can pick and choose to help define what humor means to them and find their own reflection within this compilation of comments and analysis.
Chapter 8 is one that I truly appreciate. It reflects what this book is supposed to be, what it is and what it isn't. Lesson 10 really found itself within me emotionally. "Life is complicated and unpredictable. Whatever way you about something now, someone else has a different way, and in a minute you may too. The big picture - if there is one - is not at all clear. As Albert Einstein said, "Our situation on this earth seems strange. Everyone of us appears here, involuntarily and uninvited, for a short stay, without knowing the why and the wherefore." So expect to be surprised, and look for the fun in it."
Humor, as in life, is unpredictable. There are so many things that will be a mystery and leave numerous questions unanswered. Humor is just one of those things. You can't really define it in just a couple of words. New discoveries are made, feelings change, we become more intelligent. So as life is full of surprises, so is humor. Forever developing and growing, becoming more simplistic. More complicated. It is undefinable.
I really like what you said regarding the end of the book. I certainly agree with your statement “humor is something that really cannot be defined by the words of one man”. I think this idea caused my strong opposition to the book. I had a difficult time reading about humor and others’ opinions about humor, as I believe humor cannot truly be defined. I applaud those who attempt to define it, but I feel like it is a lost cause. I believe humor exists because it can’t actually be defined.
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