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

It is easy to distinguish between the joking that reflects good breeding and that which is coarse—the one, if aired at an apposite moment of mental relaxation, is becoming in the most serious of men, whereas the other is unworthy of any free person, if the content is indecent or the expression obscene.

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.

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.

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

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

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

Jokes are grievances.

Big head, little wit.

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

There is nothing sillier than a silly laugh.

Comedy, like sodomy, is an unnatural act.

A jest breaks no bones.