Skip to content

Causes Quote by Aristotle

“The ridiculous is produced by any defect that is unattended by pain, or fatal consequences; thus, an ugly and deformed countenance does not fail to cause laughter, if it is not occasioned by pain.” quote by Aristotle
Download Open image
“The ridiculous is produced by any defect that is unattended by pain, or fatal consequences; thus, an ugly and deformed countenance does not fail to cause laughter, if it is not occasioned by pain.”

Aristotle

About This Quote

Source Treatise: Rhetoric, 4th century BC

Laughter can arise from physical deformities even without pain, suggesting humor can be based on visual oddities alone.

In simple terms: Deformities can be funny without suffering.

Key Takeaway

Recognize humor’s sources.

Themes

humor deformity pain laughter philosophy

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

philosophical observational

When to use this quote

  • theatre
  • comedy
  • social commentary
  • psychology

Key Concepts

aesthetic theory human nature social norms

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is it ethical to laugh at appearance?
  • What makes something funny?
A Different Perspective

Humor may offend or marginalize.

3.1 out of 5 (8 ratings)

More by Aristotle

Explore all 1,545 Aristotle quotes

More Causes quotes

Browse all 9,070 Causes quotes