If we think we must not laugh, this perverse impediment makes our… — William Hazlitt · Smartyfair

If we think we must not laugh, this perverse impediment makes our temptation to laugh the greater; for by endeavouring to keep the obnoxious image out of sight, it comes upon us more irresistibly and repeatedly; and the inclination to indulge our mirth, the longer it is held back, collects its force, and breaks out the more violently in peals of laughter.

William Hazlitt

Source not found yetPlayWisdom1800s

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More on play

For the comic spirit has a logic of its own, even in its wildest eccentricities.Henri Bergson The first point to which attention should be called is that the comic does not exist outside the pale of what is strictly HUMAN.Henri Bergson A landscape may be beautiful, charming and sublime, or insignificant and ugly; it will never be laughable.Henri Bergson It seems as though the comic could not produce its disturbing effect unless it fell, so to say, on the surface of a soul that is thoroughly calm and unruffled.Henri Bergson Indifference is its natural environment, for laughter has no greater foe than emotion.Henri Bergson Now step aside, look upon life as a disinterested spectator: many a drama will turn into a comedy.Henri Bergson

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