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.

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

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.

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