Absurd Quote by Erica Jong
“I didn't believe in systems. Everything human was imperfect and ultimately absurd. What did I believe in then? In humor. In laughing at systems, at people, at one's self. In laughing even at one's need to laugh all the time. In seeing life as contradictory, many-sided, various, funny, tragic, and with moments of outrageous beauty. In seeing life as a fruitcake, including delicious plums and bad peanuts, but meant to be devoured hungrily all the same because you couldn't feast on the plums without also sometimes being poisoned by the peanuts.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Fear of Flying, 1973
The quote reflects a worldview that embraces absurdity and humor as coping mechanisms for life's contradictions and imperfections.
In simple terms: Humor helps us accept life's messy contradictions.
Key Takeaway
Use humor to navigate absurdity.
Themes
absurdity
humor
contradiction
humanity
life
beauty
Mood
reflective
wry
hopeful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
literary
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- social critique
- creative writing
- mental health
- philosophical discourse
Key Concepts
existentialism
psychology
literature
Questions to Reflect On
- How does humor change your perception of life's contradictions?
- When does humor become avoidance?
A Different Perspective
Humor may mask deeper issues and prevent serious change.
