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A man wearing a hat and a suit, holding a microphone on stage, with dramatic lighting in the background.

Laughter and comedy

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Absurdist comedy is uniquely brilliant at conveying human pain

On stage as Mr Fruit Salad, I’ve seen how the bizarre and ridiculous can convey deep meaning in a way that resonates

by Joz Norris

A man and a woman laughing together in a restaurant

Communication and language

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Why it takes humour to sustain a long-term relationship

Maintaining a long and happy relationship requires a specific skillset. Learning to laugh at yourself and together is key

by Enrico Gnaulati

Set of Ukrainian stamps depicting a soldier facing a ship with a “Moscow” stamp labelled “DONE” and the date 14.04.2022. Text in Ukrainian.

Laughter and comedy

idea

A sense of humour – even a dark one – is a moral virtue

A sense of humour is a moral virtue that can help people flourish, even in dire conditions that are conducive to unhappiness

by Mark Alfano & Mandi Astola

A woman in period dress smiles while holding a small object depicting a nude seated figure.

Laughter and comedy

idea

Just when in history did men decide that women are not funny?

Women have been witty and bawdy throughout history. It’s only recently that men haven’t been able to see their funny side

by Joy Wiltenburg

A white humanoid robot by Honda, labelled “ASIMO,” with arms open wide against a dark backdrop.

Laughter and comedy

idea

When will humorous AIs press our buttons with their jokes?

A sense of humour is a tough test of an AI. Our devices won’t be truly smart until they know how to make us laugh

by Tony Veale

Medieval illustration of a lively scene with musicians, nobles and servants in traditional garb in an ornate interior.

Stories and literature

idea

Party-crashing was a serious business in medieval Arabic tales

More than just a light-hearted figure of fun, the medieval party-crasher had a multi-layered role in Arabic morality tales

by Emily Selove