Thank you. Such a great read. As a mum of a son with Schizophrenia and mood disorder, my husband and I have found that dark humour has literally kept us going during the very worst of times. It has literally saved our own sanity.
Thanks Sam. Well written. When I was in Vietnam, and we ignored or dodged some stupid order, our refrain was, “What are they going to do to us, send us to Vietnam?”
The logic is unbeatable. I can only imagine the sort of humor that worked its way onto air bases and remote jungle camps, and how many guys miss that part of the war today.
Loved the article, Sam. Very good read with very interesting takes on the role of laugh in the midst of immense chaos and suffering.
Your article reminded me of several Auschwitz survivors like Viktor Frankl's, who realised that there in hell prisoners would sometimes do jokes and laugh.
I believe in the idea that the more true or getting at our reality the joke is, the funnier it is. It hits the peak of irony. The ability to find meaning in a meaningless moment.
The funniest (and best) people I know are the ones who spent the most time around “danger”. They have a perspective others do not, an appreciation for life that allows for a mockery of the “sacred”.
They understand that it’s probably “not that serious”.
Contrast that with an existence that’s void of external hardship (self-imposed or otherwise)- the trivial becomes deadly serious, and the heathen irreverent who dares to poke holes in the fabric of safety and propriety becomes the most dangerous person around.
“It is strange we are the only animals who can keep perspective on our immediate circumstances: we can be in danger and yet think of safety to feel hope, and we can be in safety and remind ourselves of danger to feel gratitude.”
There is a whole philosophy in that sentence, Sam. Thanks for that clarity! 👏
Humor helped me survive 11 years of dementia that ultimately killed my wife almost 3 years ago. I still think back on some of the crazy stuff she did during that time and find it hilarious.
Another home run, Sam. Humor is the key that unlocks all of the things that keep us bound. Your examples her are of the most extreme circumstances in existence. War. I believe we need this in everyday life. We have gotten to such a point of seriousness in our society that we seem to be at risk of losing humor all together. I love the aspect that dark humor brings to a situation. It is personal. The humor is at your own expense. You are the joke. Its like rocket fuel toward a freeing of the mind. As always thanks for your perspective. Greatly appreciated!
Well framed, David. The joke is completely on us. The lesson in humility is profound. All the more reason to implement in everyday life as you suggest. Thank you for jumping in.
A timely and thoughtful essay. I rather appreciate this statement: "... simply being there for their mates when it mattered most." Which I like in the larger context of community and an entry point into the: why are we here, what is our purpose. Humor is discovering, right = circumstance and reality?
That is what it all comes down to. What are we, if we are all alone on earth? There are few things more memorable, at least in my own life, of everything seeming wretched/cold/painful/uncertain and suddenly one person starts laughing, and then we all start laughing. That is the stuff of life.
Sam, a good reminder to use humor, a great weapon, to combat any worst case scenario. Humor and sarcasm were used many times to oppose oppressive censorships.
It’s a hobby of mine to read about oppressive regimes, which you have actually seen. There are few things I enjoy more than how darkly humorous and rebellious people become as a result. Thanks for sharing Barry.
Brits have to use now “disguised” humor similar to what the Russians had to do under communism or they will be arrested for posting “non violent” comments on social media.
It’s just a chance for a good fight, and some Brits are already cranking up their humor in response. I think the West needs these reminders, otherwise the atrophy might set in too deeply.
Thank you. Such a great read. As a mum of a son with Schizophrenia and mood disorder, my husband and I have found that dark humour has literally kept us going during the very worst of times. It has literally saved our own sanity.
Lesley, this is an experience I cannot begin to understand. But the humor part I can. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks Sam. Well written. When I was in Vietnam, and we ignored or dodged some stupid order, our refrain was, “What are they going to do to us, send us to Vietnam?”
The logic is unbeatable. I can only imagine the sort of humor that worked its way onto air bases and remote jungle camps, and how many guys miss that part of the war today.
Loved the article, Sam. Very good read with very interesting takes on the role of laugh in the midst of immense chaos and suffering.
Your article reminded me of several Auschwitz survivors like Viktor Frankl's, who realised that there in hell prisoners would sometimes do jokes and laugh.
Thanks for the article, Sam
Frankl was on my mind while writing this. An absolute inspiration on how to find meaning—and humor—in the absolute worst. I appreciate it, Andres.
Sam thanks again for the insight.
I believe in the idea that the more true or getting at our reality the joke is, the funnier it is. It hits the peak of irony. The ability to find meaning in a meaningless moment.
You’re very welcome. I couldn’t agree more. A good joke should hook in the mind and make us think.
The funniest (and best) people I know are the ones who spent the most time around “danger”. They have a perspective others do not, an appreciation for life that allows for a mockery of the “sacred”.
They understand that it’s probably “not that serious”.
Contrast that with an existence that’s void of external hardship (self-imposed or otherwise)- the trivial becomes deadly serious, and the heathen irreverent who dares to poke holes in the fabric of safety and propriety becomes the most dangerous person around.
I prefer option 1.
Thanks for another awesome and insightful piece.
Well said. It is a long and ancient thread that is well worth pulling on. Thank you Tim.
💪🏻💪🏻🫡👊
“It is strange we are the only animals who can keep perspective on our immediate circumstances: we can be in danger and yet think of safety to feel hope, and we can be in safety and remind ourselves of danger to feel gratitude.”
There is a whole philosophy in that sentence, Sam. Thanks for that clarity! 👏
You're very welcome, Baird! There is a world to riff on there, and so little time to do it. It is good material to chew on, nonetheless.
No one does dark humor quite like the military. Also reminds me of Willie and Joe from the WWII commics. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willie_and_Joe
Humor helped me survive 11 years of dementia that ultimately killed my wife almost 3 years ago. I still think back on some of the crazy stuff she did during that time and find it hilarious.
I cannot conceive of this particular challenge, Tom, but your response is truly epic. Thank you for sharing.
Another home run, Sam. Humor is the key that unlocks all of the things that keep us bound. Your examples her are of the most extreme circumstances in existence. War. I believe we need this in everyday life. We have gotten to such a point of seriousness in our society that we seem to be at risk of losing humor all together. I love the aspect that dark humor brings to a situation. It is personal. The humor is at your own expense. You are the joke. Its like rocket fuel toward a freeing of the mind. As always thanks for your perspective. Greatly appreciated!
Well framed, David. The joke is completely on us. The lesson in humility is profound. All the more reason to implement in everyday life as you suggest. Thank you for jumping in.
A timely and thoughtful essay. I rather appreciate this statement: "... simply being there for their mates when it mattered most." Which I like in the larger context of community and an entry point into the: why are we here, what is our purpose. Humor is discovering, right = circumstance and reality?
That is what it all comes down to. What are we, if we are all alone on earth? There are few things more memorable, at least in my own life, of everything seeming wretched/cold/painful/uncertain and suddenly one person starts laughing, and then we all start laughing. That is the stuff of life.
I can think of several times when laughter broke the downright awful moments. Life - find the joy in the good and bad.
Sam, a good reminder to use humor, a great weapon, to combat any worst case scenario. Humor and sarcasm were used many times to oppose oppressive censorships.
It’s a hobby of mine to read about oppressive regimes, which you have actually seen. There are few things I enjoy more than how darkly humorous and rebellious people become as a result. Thanks for sharing Barry.
Brits have to use now “disguised” humor similar to what the Russians had to do under communism or they will be arrested for posting “non violent” comments on social media.
It’s just a chance for a good fight, and some Brits are already cranking up their humor in response. I think the West needs these reminders, otherwise the atrophy might set in too deeply.