Laughter always arises from a gaiety of disposition, absolutely incompatible with contempt and indignation.
—Voltaire, 1736
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Quotes
Wit enables us to act rudely with impunity.
—La Rochefoucauld, 1678No man ever distinguished himself who could not bear to be laughed at.
—Maria Edgeworth, 1809There is nothing sillier than a silly laugh.
—Catullus, c. 60 BCI said of laughter, “It is mad,” and of pleasure, “What use is it?”
—Book of Ecclesiastes, 225 BC