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.”
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.
Recognize humor’s sources.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- theatre
- comedy
- social commentary
- psychology
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Is it ethical to laugh at appearance?
- What makes something funny?
Humor may offend or marginalize.