Saturday, January 23, 2010

Search it Carefully



"When a thing is funny, search it carefully for a hidden truth." -George Bernard Shaw

This is a quote that has really found a place in my heart. I am a very snarky teenager, as my mom is so fond of saying. But to me, that is a compliment. When I use comedy, I try to use it as a message. I make fun of things not to hurt people, but to try to point out idiocies in their statements. I find humor is a particularly good way of doing this because it leaves my message open to interpretation. Half the time, they can't tell if I'm on their side or not. And this quote holds very true through that ideal. Every time I hear something funny, a joke, a comment that makes me laugh, I search it for that hidden truth. Some of the time that truth isn't so hidden, but very once and a while I find something that truly opens my eyes. So I guess what I am trying to say is that when you hear a joke and it sounds a little offensive or off-color, don't dismiss it out of hand. Carefully listen for that hidden grain of truth.

truth |troōθ|
noun
1) the quality or state of being true

2 comments:

kb said...

I recently read an essay on Jane Austen that argued that that's why her books are so memorable and satisfying -- her satire is reserved for things that really are laughable.

Thanks for the quote.

A Thinker said...

"snarky"...Best use of word I have ever heard. Also, I find this is true a fair amount of the time, just be careful with whom you use it.