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

Wit enables us to act rudely with impunity.

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

Jokes are grievances.

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

Comedy, like sodomy, is an unnatural act.

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.

He who laugheth too much, hath the nature of a fool; he that laugheth not at all, hath the nature of an old cat.

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.

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

Jesters do oft prove prophets.

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

Big head, little wit.