Whether or not you and I can
live without humor, depends to a large degree on what we mean when we use the
word humor. There are some kinds of humor that we can live without, but those
can only be uncovered by definition.
There are at least, four
distinct definitions of humor that come to mind.
First, there is bad humor that
can be defined as being out of sorts. We can do
without that. No one really appreciates anyone who is out of sorts or having a
bad day. No one wants to be around a person like that. It is anything but fun.
In the same light, there can be
humor that has the appearance of a sudden inclination or whim, but one that is
unpredictable and non-reasoning in its nature. This can take on a positive direction,
which one might be willing to live with, but put it into a negative context and
most people would rather live without it.
In a different context, there
is that kind of humor which refers to normal fluids, like blood and lymph found
in the human body. If those are missing, more than likely you and I could not
live without them. (If this refers to those that are found in plants and
animals, those we might be able to live without.) It should be noted though
that the actual proportion of body fluids, determined in a ratio of one to
another, can affect a person's health or temperament. The balance of body
fluids is important in terms of one's state of mind.
From yet another perspective, there
is that humor that appeals to people everywhere. This is the kind of humor that
the person who asked this question was referring to, initially. This kind of
humor is inclined to be something that is comical or amusing. Somehow, and for
some odd reason, this kind of humor appeals to the human mind. It has to do
with that which is ludicrous or incongruous and the expression thereof. This
kind of humor, most of us do like to have in our lives, at least some of the
time. Could you and I live without that? We will all confess that life is more
fun, when this kind of humor is a part of our day-to-day lives. It is important
to many people.
These four basic kinds of humor
are ones that we need to consider, when asking ourselves the question of
whether or not you or I can live without humor.
There are a couple of important
things to remember about humor.
"Humor? It's a gas!"
Humor is in our lives, whether
we need it or not. It is always there, although it may not be perceived by
everyone. In fact, whether we like it or not, we cannot get rid of humor, even
if we wanted to and most of us do not want to get rid of it anyhow, because it
is fun. Life should be fun.
Humor leads to laughter.
Who is it that said,
"Laughter is the best medicine?"
One might ask if we need to
take a dose of good medicine every day, especially if we are healthy. It is a
well known fact that you and I have a very healthy attitude towards life, when
we maintain a good sense of humor. Realistically, one does not have a healthy
attitude to life, if one does not appreciate good humor.
Be honest though, as there is
humor that is not good humor. No one needs or wants bad humor in their lives.
What may appear to be good humor to one person or to a group of people may not
be good humor to others. Sometimes, it is in bad taste. When people are hurting
or suffering, humor can either help or hurt. It is simply a matter of
perception and we each perceive differently. Thank God for that.
It is always a good idea to use
humor wisely. You and I, as well as other people, may need it, want it and like
it, but not everyone does, at least not all of the time.
Remember that humor is in our
world to stay. It is alive and well. The real question is whether we are able
to perceive it or to enjoy it fully when we see it. If we are not enjoying good
humor, we might need to ask ourselves why.
According to the Bible, Sarah laughed. God must have
had a good sense of humor.
We have the ability to share
that same sense of humor. It is a free gift that has been given to us. Enjoy it
fully!
I know that I do, but by definition only, please.
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