It's Funny Because It's True

http://www.scientificamerican.com/podcast/episode.cfm?id=its-funny-because-its-true-09-10-13

by prat • 17 years ago

10 7 17 years ago

Flashbacks to the many times I've reread the Illuminatus Trilogy back in high school. Humor, and our responses to it, has a tendency to reveal more than we might want it to.

natmaster• 17 years ago

I laugh at almost anything. Often when there is noone else laughing, and sometimes just because everyone else is laughing. Does that mean I will believe anything?

modelic32• 17 years ago

I disagree with the implications of the article. I often laugh because the comedian makes me aware of my own self-contradictions.

ScottWhigham• 17 years ago

One does not exclude the other though, does it? Can't you laugh for both reasons?

modelic32• 17 years ago

Good point.

donaq• 17 years ago

Ok from now on I shall laugh at nothing so that no one can read me.

ixnu• 17 years ago

This article reminded of a interesting story that Knuth has on his site: http://www-cs-faculty.stanford.edu/~knuth/smullyan.html

``You are incurable; your psychosis is hopeless. There is nothing you can do to get better. Therefore, do not try to get well; do not fight your psychosis, but rather go along with it. In other words, try to become adjusted within the framework of your laughing-psychosis. You must learn to live with it. You must learn to enjoy your laughter.''

It's Funny Because It's True

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