--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Something is funny, most of all, because…" description: "\"Something is funny, most of all, because it's true, and because the velocity of insight into this truth exceeds our normal standards. Something is funn..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/97f/steve-almond-9602_able_something-is-funny-most-of-all-because-i_1407885.jpg" --- # Something is funny, most of all, because it's true, and… ![“Something is funny, most of all, because it's true, and because the velocity of insight into this truth exceeds our normal standards. Something is funny because it's outside our accepted boundary of decorum. Something is funny because it defies our expectations. Something is funny because it…” quote by Steve Almond](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/97f/steve-almond-9602_able_something-is-funny-most-of-all-because-i_1407885.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/97f/steve-almond-9602_able_something-is-funny-most-of-all-because-i_1407885.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/97f/steve-almond-9602_able_something-is-funny-most-of-all-because-i_1407885.jpg) > “Something is funny, most of all, because it's true, and because the velocity of insight into this truth exceeds our normal standards. Something is funny because it's outside our accepted boundary of decorum. Something is funny because it defies our expectations. Something is funny because it offers a temporary reprieve from the hardship of seeing the world as it actually is. Something is funny because it is able to suggest gently that even the worst of our circumstances and sins is subject to eventual mercy.” [Steve Almond](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-almond/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Humor reveals truth by breaking norms, offering relief, and hinting at mercy despite harsh reality. **In simple terms:** Comedy shows truth, eases pain, and suggests mercy. Key Takeaway Use humor to confront hard truths. Themes humor truth relief morality Mood reflective ironic Type observational philosophical When to use this quote - political satire - stand‑up comedy - personal storytelling - media commentary Key Concepts cognitive dissonance psychological coping social critique Questions to Reflect On - How does laughter change perception of pain? - When does humor become disrespectful? A Different Perspective Humor can trivialize serious issues if misused. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Boundaries](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/boundaries/) [Comedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/comedy/) [Decorum](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/decorum/) [Expectations](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/expectations/) [Funny](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/funny/) [Hardship](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/hardship/) [Mercy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mercy/) [Seeing the world](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/seeing-the-world/) [Sin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sin/) [Truth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/truth/) [Velocity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/velocity/) [Wisdom](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wisdom/) [World](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/world/) ## Related quotes > [And I think comedy obviously a great way to get a message out because you know the reason why things are funny is because…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laurie-david/and-i-think-comedy-obviously-a-great-way-to-get-a-message-out-because/) [Laurie David](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laurie-david/) > [“Isn't it funny how true peace describes war and chaos?”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lionel-suggs/isn-t-it-funny-how-true-peace-describes-war-and-chaos/) [Lionel Suggs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lionel-suggs/) > [ \[Kaz\] is a great scholar, very funny - a true man of no rank! ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joan-halifax/kaz-is-a-great-scholar-very-funny-a-true-man-of-no-rank/) [Joan Halifax](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joan-halifax/) > [Funny and true](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/funny-and-true/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Funny but true! We learn not to trust anyone from those we trusted ONCE!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/senora-roy/funny-but-true-we-learn-not-to-trust-anyone-from-those-we-trusted-once/) [Senora Roy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/senora-roy/) > [It's fun to be able to have a fun palate, and the way I say that, you think about it and it sounds funny,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joey-fatone/it-s-fun-to-be-able-to-have-a-fun-palate-and-the-way-i-say-that-you/) [Joey Fatone](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joey-fatone/) > [If I book a hotel it's actually very funny. It's very nice to be a genuine Mr Smith.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-smith/if-i-book-a-hotel-it-s-actually-very-funny-it-s-very-nice-to-be-a/) [Robert Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-smith/) > [Bigots are actually funny to me in the way that people who still wear parachute pants give me a chuckle.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-ridley/bigots-are-actually-funny-to-me-in-the-way-that-people-who-still-wear/) [John Ridley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-ridley/) > [“The difference between actually very serious and actually very funny is actually very thin.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-powers/the-difference-between-actually-very-serious-and-actually-very-funny/) [William Powers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-powers/) > [“Yes, Roger Ailes, who actually was very funny and who, as far as I know, did not sexually harass anyone during the two hours…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/al-franken/yes-roger-ailes-who-actually-was-very-funny-and-who-as-far-as-i-know/) [Al Franken](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/al-franken/) > [I appreciate humor so much, but I'm actually not a funny girl.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/emmanuelle-chriqui/i-appreciate-humor-so-much-but-i-m-actually-not-a-funny-girl/) [Emmanuelle Chriqui](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/emmanuelle-chriqui/) > [The great thing about writing jokes for President Obama is that he is not afraid to tell jokes that are actually funny - and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jon-lovett/the-great-thing-about-writing-jokes-for-president-obama-is-that-he-is/) [Jon Lovett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jon-lovett/) > [I'm actually not funny, I'm just man and people think I'm joking.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/i-m-actually-not-funny-i-m-just-man-and-people-think-i-m-joking/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [I reckon I'm actually one of the least funny in my family.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anh-do/i-reckon-i-m-actually-one-of-the-least-funny-in-my-family/) [Anh Do](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anh-do/) > [I'm actually not funny. I'm just really mean and people think I'm joking.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/i-m-actually-not-funny-i-m-just-really-mean-and-people-think-i-m/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) ## More by Steve Almond > [At the end of night, before you close your eyes, be content with what you've done and be proud of who you are.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-almond/at-the-end-of-night-before-you-close-your-eyes-be-content-with-what/) [Steve Almond](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-almond/) > [The single biggest reason I got my stories taken in various literary magazines - and I want to stress this - is because I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-almond/the-single-biggest-reason-i-got-my-stories-taken-in-various-literary/) [Steve Almond](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-almond/) > [I do think, as crazy as it sounds, that sports is an addiction and that it should be accorded some of the same supports…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-almond/i-do-think-as-crazy-as-it-sounds-that-sports-is-an-addiction-and-that/) [Steve Almond](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-almond/) > [“Music has become more pervasive and portable than ever. But it feels less previous in the bargain. I don't want to confuse artistic and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-almond/music-has-become-more-pervasive-and-portable-than-ever-but-it-feels/) [Steve Almond](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-almond/) > [“This is what songs do, even dumb pop songs: they remind us that emotions are not an inconvenient and vaguely embarrassing aspect of the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-almond/this-is-what-songs-do-even-dumb-pop-songs-they-remind-us-that/) [Steve Almond](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-almond/) > [A lot of what I'm having to do to get myself weaned from football is really limit what media I allow myself to consume.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-almond/a-lot-of-what-i-m-having-to-do-to-get-myself-weaned-from-football-is/) [Steve Almond](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-almond/) > [People in long-term, monogamous relationships are crushed by the expectation that a partner is going to provide everything they are looking for and wondering…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-almond/people-in-long-term-monogamous-relationships-are-crushed-by-the/) [Steve Almond](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-almond/) > [Much as I love stories, I think I'll only be satisfied with myself as a writer if I'm able to produce a novel that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-almond/much-as-i-love-stories-i-think-i-ll-only-be-satisfied-with-myself-as/) [Steve Almond](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-almond/) > [But the real life of a writer resides in showing up at the keyboard every day, with the necessary patience and mercy, and making…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-almond/but-the-real-life-of-a-writer-resides-in-showing-up-at-the-keyboard/) [Steve Almond](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-almond/) > [Why are people so fascinated by how to eat Valomilks?’ She said, ‘Well, Dad, they’re round and they’re messy. But that’s what makes them…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-almond/why-are-people-so-fascinated-by-how-to-eat-valomilks-she-said-well/) [Steve Almond](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-almond/) > [“The connection being that in my head all language began in song and that the best stories inevitably reutrn to song, to a state…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-almond/the-connection-being-that-in-my-head-all-language-began-in-song-and/) [Steve Almond](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-almond/) > [“But I come to stories in the naked hope they will fuck me up .”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-almond/but-i-come-to-stories-in-the-naked-hope-they-will-fuck-me-up/) [Steve Almond](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-almond/) > [Nothing on Earth so beautiful as the final haul on Halloween night.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-almond/nothing-on-earth-so-beautiful-as-the-final-haul-on-halloween-night/) [Steve Almond](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-almond/) > [“This was one of those mid-thirties moments when you take a look at the stale, half-chewed bagel your life has become and kiss jealousy…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-almond/this-was-one-of-those-mid-thirties-moments-when-you-take-a-look-at/) [Steve Almond](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-almond/) > [“My own kind. I'm not sure there's a name for us. I suspect we're born this way: our hearts screwed in tight, already a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-almond/my-own-kind-i-m-not-sure-there-s-a-name-for-us-i-suspect-we-re-born/) [Steve Almond](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-almond/) [Explore all 71 Steve Almond quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-almond/) ## More Able quotes > [I am certain that children always know more than they are able to tell, and that makes the big difference between them and adults,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jacques-lusseyran/i-am-certain-that-children-always-know-more-than-they-are-able-to/) [Jacques Lusseyran](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jacques-lusseyran/) > [I have observed this in my experience of slavery, - that whenever my condition was improved, instead of its increasing my contentment, it only…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frederick-douglass/i-have-observed-this-in-my-experience-of-slavery-that-whenever-my/) [Frederick Douglass](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frederick-douglass/) > [There is something about the South that accepts the supernatural. If you don't accept it and you're having a conversation with someone who does,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alice-englert/there-is-something-about-the-south-that-accepts-the-supernatural-if/) [Alice Englert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alice-englert/) > [In the '80s, the way radio was programmed, if you didn't have a hit record you weren't going to be able to make any…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/huey-lewis/in-the-80s-the-way-radio-was-programmed-if-you-didn-t-have-a-hit/) [Huey Lewis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/huey-lewis/) > [I think I've had the longest career of strength, focus, and still being able to sell records. I think I'm that guy. I'm still…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nas/i-think-i-ve-had-the-longest-career-of-strength-focus-and-still-being/) [Nas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nas/) > [I have that need in me, I want everyone to love me, but I'm embarrassed by that need, so I wanted to cover it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anthony-jeselnik/i-have-that-need-in-me-i-want-everyone-to-love-me-but-i-m-embarrassed/) [Anthony Jeselnik](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anthony-jeselnik/) > [Thinking about the things that happened, I don't know any other ball player would could have done what he (Jackie Robinson) did. To be…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pee-wee-reese/thinking-about-the-things-that-happened-i-don-t-know-any-other-ball/) [Pee Wee Reese](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pee-wee-reese/) > [I wanted to remember in order to be able to return.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anais-nin/i-wanted-to-remember-in-order-to-be-able-to-return/) [Anais Nin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anais-nin/) > [Government schools, with your tax money, now discourage the teaching of multiplication tables by rote memorization but teach reading by the 'look-and-say' method which…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/greg-perry/government-schools-with-your-tax-money-now-discourage-the-teaching-of/) Greg Perry > [I don't know if I would qualify as mainstream. I think I have managed to function pretty successfully on the fringes of the music…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pat-metheny/i-don-t-know-if-i-would-qualify-as-mainstream-i-think-i-have-managed/) [Pat Metheny](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pat-metheny/) > [What we're supposed to do as actors is be able to portray real human beings and emotions. And if you grow up in this…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/emily-browning/what-we-re-supposed-to-do-as-actors-is-be-able-to-portray-real-human/) [Emily Browning](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/emily-browning/) > [The reason that Apple is able to create products like iPad is because we always try to be at the intersection of technology and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-jobs/the-reason-that-apple-is-able-to-create-products-like-ipad-is-because/) [Steve Jobs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-jobs/) > [It was an important period for us, because even though we weren't a "punk band", and what became a model for a punk band,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-mallinder/it-was-an-important-period-for-us-because-even-though-we-weren-t-a/) [Stephen Mallinder](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-mallinder/) > [- You look fine. - Right. I look fine. Except I don't, said Zora, tugging sadly at her man's nightshirt. This was why Kiki…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zadie-smith/you-look-fine-right-i-look-fine-except-i-don-t-said-zora-tugging/) [Zadie Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zadie-smith/) > [There is a way to be a woman, ask for what we deserve and be able to negotiate.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tracee-ellis-ross/there-is-a-way-to-be-a-woman-ask-for-what-we-deserve-and-be-able-to/) [Tracee Ellis Ross](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tracee-ellis-ross/) Browse all 17,257 Able quotes ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Something is funny, most of all, because it's true, and because the velocity of insight into this truth exceeds our normal standards. Something is funny because it's outside our accepted boundary of decorum. Something is funny because it defies our expectations. Something is funny because it offers a temporary reprieve from the hardship of seeing the world as it actually is. 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