Awful Quote by James Thurber
“The things we laugh at are awful while they are going on, but get funny when we look back. And other people laugh because they've been through it too. The closest thing to humor is tragedy.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The Things We Laugh At," 1945
Humor often arises from tragedy; we laugh at past pain once it's distant.
In simple terms: We find humor in bad events after time passes.
Key Takeaway
Recognize pain, allow time, then find humor.
Themes
humor
tragedy
perspective
Mood
wry
thoughtful
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- grief counseling
- stand‑up comedy
- storytelling
Key Concepts
psychology
catharsis
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do we laugh at past suffering?
- When is humor inappropriate?
A Different Perspective
Humor can minimize serious issues if overused.
![“Salvador [Dali] was brought up in Spain, a country colored by the legends of Hannibal, El Greco, and Cervantes. I was brought up in Ohio, a region steeped in the tradition of Coxey's Army, the Anti-Saloon League, and William Howard Taft.” quote by James Thurber](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f6b/james-thurber-1534_army_salvador-dali-was-brought-up-in-spain-a_39625.jpg)
