Laughter: An Essay on the Meaning of the Comic by Henri Bergson — A Philosophical Take on Humor
Laughter: An Essay on the Meaning of the Comic by Henri Bergson — A Philosophical Take on Humor
Why Do We Laugh?
Bergson opens with a simple observation: laughter is uniquely human. Animals do not laugh, and neither do people in solitude. Laughter is inherently social, and it functions as a kind of gentle correction against the mechanical or overly rigid behavior in others.
The Comic as Mechanical in the Living
Bergson’s central thesis is that the comic arises when the mechanical is imposed upon the living. In other words, we laugh when we see human behavior that has become automatic, repetitive, or inflexible, as though the person has become like a machine.
-
A man slipping on a banana peel becomes funny because he has momentarily lost his flexibility and grace—his humanity.
-
A character in a play who repeats catchphrases or reacts predictably may be humorous because they lack spontaneity.
This kind of rigidity, for Bergson, is anti-life. Laughter is how society nudges people back toward vitality, adaptability, and freedom.
Laughter as a Social Tool
Bergson views laughter as a form of social control. It’s not cruel, but corrective. When someone acts out of sync with social norms or becomes overly stiff in behavior, laughter signals a kind of social disapproval. In this way, comedy becomes a mirror, showing people their eccentricities and encouraging a return to natural behavior.
Humor isn’t necessarily moralizing, but it is normative—it brings attention to what is “off” or out of place, usually in a non-threatening way.
The Role of the Comic in Art and Literature
Bergson also explores comedy in theater, literature, and performance. For him, comic characters are often reduced to a single trait or obsession that governs their behavior—think of Molière’s misers or Shakespeare’s fools. These characters amuse us because they lack complexity and flow; they’ve become types, not fully dynamic humans.
In this sense, the comic is a distortion of real life, a simplification. But in exaggerating these distortions, comedy helps us see our own flaws and recognize the dangers of becoming too rigid or repetitive.
Comedy vs. Tragedy
Whereas tragedy invites sympathy and deep emotional identification, comedy creates distance. Bergson argues that to laugh, we must detach ourselves emotionally. This emotional distance is what allows us to view behavior critically without getting drawn into personal suffering.
Why Bergson's Ideas Still Matter
In a world increasingly dominated by algorithms, social scripts, and predictable behavior, Bergson’s warning against rigidity feels more relevant than ever. Comedy, for him, is not just entertainment—it’s a celebration of vitality, a way of keeping life fluid, unpredictable, and human.
Key Takeaways:
-
Laughter is a social phenomenon aimed at correcting rigidity.
-
The comic arises when life becomes mechanical.
-
Humor has a corrective function—it invites us to be more alive, adaptable, and natural.
-
Comic characters are simplified versions of people who have lost their spontaneity.
-
Comedy creates emotional distance, allowing us to reflect critically.
Bergson's essay is not just about jokes—it's about life. It challenges us to reflect on what it means to be truly alive and reminds us that laughter is a profound, vital force in human society.
Comments
Post a Comment