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

Laughter almost ever cometh of things most disproportioned to ourselves and nature. Laughter hath only a scornful tickling.

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.

Wit enables us to act rudely with impunity.

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

Jesters do oft prove prophets.

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

Jests and scoffs do lessen majesty and greatness and should be far from great personages and men of wisdom.

Big head, little wit.

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

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

Comedy, like sodomy, is an unnatural act.