A speech about Laughter and its effect on society

Biologically, there is only one quality which distinguishes us from animals: the ability to laugh. In a universe which appears to be utterly empty of humor, we enjoy this supreme luxury. And it is a luxury, for unlike any other social process, laughter does seem to serve a biologically useful purpose. In a divided world, laughter is a unifying force. First of all, laughter is not the same as humor. Laughter is the physiological response …

…are meant to weep too. The sense of humor must be singled out as man's most important quality because it is associated with laughter. And laughter, in turn, is associated with happiness. Courage, determination, initiative - these are qualities we share with other forms of life. But the sense of humor is uniquely human. If happiness is one of the great goals of life, then it is the sense of humor that provides the key.