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.

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

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

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.