Wit enables us to act rudely with impunity.

Laughter always arises from a gaiety of disposition, absolutely incompatible with contempt and indignation.

I used to think that everyone was just being funny. But now I don’t know. I mean, how can you tell?

Comedy, like sodomy, is an unnatural act.

A difference of taste in jokes is a great strain on the affections.

Jesters do oft prove prophets.

Some things are privileged from jest—namely, religion, matters of state, great persons, all men’s present business of importance, and any case that deserves pity.

A jest breaks no bones.

No man ever distinguished himself who could not bear to be laughed at.

Jokes are grievances.

I said of laughter, “It is mad,” and of pleasure, “What use is it?”

A joke is at most a temporary rebellion against virtue, and its aim is not to degrade the human being but to remind him that he is already degraded.

There is nothing sillier than a silly laugh.