Descartes

 

In our class reading, "Descartes" we are introduced to the science behind the human emotions and laughter. Philosophical thinker, Descartes makes a controversial point that laughter usually stems from a place of ridicule and scorn. Even the laughter that stems from joy is because there are small traces of scorn attached to it. Furthermore, Descartes leaves us with, "And it is not wrong to laugh when we hear the jests of another; these jests may even be such that it would be difficult not to laugh at them; but when we ourselves jest, it is more fitting to abstain form laughter, in order not to seem to be surprised by the things that are said, nor to wonder at the ingenuity we show in inventing them. And that makes those who hear them all the more surprised" (Descartes 25). I think this idea is the most thought-provoking of them all, as I apply Descartes' philosophies to real life. How come we are so comfortable laughing at others, yet become sensitive and defensive once we are the one being laughed at? I think most individuals struggle with being "the butt" of the joke. It's hard to have our flaws put on display to poke fun at, but it's okay to tease your friend for how they acted last Saturday night. After reading this portion of the text, I immediately thought of an episode of NBC's "The Office". In one particular episode, protagonist Michael Scott holds a "roast" where he makes fun of his fellow coworkers. Yet, once it's Michael's turn to be roasted, he immediately storms off and cannot find the humor in his coworkers' jokes. This fictional episode not only relates to Descartes, but also our humanly instincts. It's easy to laugh at others and notice their flaws, but there is something about having our own flaws exposed that crosses a line. Maybe it's because we think others close to us don't notice what makes us imperfect–it's easier thinking that the ones closest to you see no fault, but that isn't reality. None of us are perfect, so by nature, we are made to be laughed at. Whether it be falling off the treadmill at the gym, or saying something embarrassing to your crush, we are human and therefore full of mistakes. Honestly, we would not be normal if there is nothing to laugh about or poke fun of about ourselves. Laughter breeds from imperfection. In my personal experiences, I have been okay at being teased and laughed at by my friends. This is a skill I've built up over time. I recognize the imperfect things about me, and that's okay. I'm made up of lots of things to laugh at, but many more things to love. While yes, Descartes is right and our laughter comes from this weird and inner place of ridicule and scorn, it's natural. Humans are wired to laugh at others, so we have to embrace it. It's important that we also open ourselves to poking fun at ourselves. It's okay not to be perfect and laugh at ourselves. Shit happens and looking back on it, it will probably make a really funny story.