Good-humor is a philosophic state of mind; it seems to say to Nature that we take her no more seriously than she takes us. I maintain that one should always talk of philosophy with a smile.
— William James, The Varieties of Religious Experience
I came across this quote when I was looking for another one by him. We’re such tiny specks in the universe that it has always seemed crazy to me to take ourselves so seriously.
It reminds me of Robert Frost’s
Forgive, O Lord, my little jokes on Thee,
And I’ll forgive Thy great big joke on me.
The James quote also reminds me of the Dalai Lama, who laughs a lot and says happiness is the purpose of life.
Not everyone agrees, of course. What do you think?
February 20, 2015
i have loved the dalai lama ever since i met him. no. i wish. but only in his books.
i’ve read every one.
i love that in a ‘religion’ steeped in rituals and rather complicated practices and history…
he says his only religion is kindness.
the wisdom and joy of that man just makes the world a better place.
and to the base of ALL fanatical fundamentalism in this world…
i would say … “get OVER yourself. LIGHTEN UP!!!!”
I love him, too! I’m reading a book about Pope John XXIII. He was another kind soul with a sense of humor. It’s refreshing when a person with power doesn’t puff himself up and take himself too seriously.
Much depends on what is meant by happiness.
If it is simply pleasure we have nothing to say to those in chronic pain.
For me happiness is a lot richer than mere pleasure.
Both James and the Dalai Lama have been favourites of mine too. I am told by many that I am genetically imperfect because I laugh easily.
then i’m pleased to be genetically imperfect right along with you.