Well, the most terrible fear that anybody should have is not war, is not a disease, not cancer or heart problems or food poisoning - it's a man or a woman without a sense of humor.
Jonathan WintersRead
The most terrible fear that anybody should have is not war, is not a disease, not cancer or heart problems or food poisoning - it's a man or a woman without a sense of humor.
Interpretation
The greatest fear is not physical dangers, but lack of humor in a person.
This quote highlights the importance of humor in our lives and suggests that a lack of it in a person is more concerning than any physical threat. Jonathan Winters emphasizes that humor brings joy, connection, and lightness, and living without it can lead to a bleak existence.
In practice
During a motivational speech to highlight the value of positivity.
Well, the most terrible fear that anybody should have is not war, is not a disease, not cancer or heart problems or food poisoning - it's a man or a woman without a sense of humor.
I don't do jokes. The characters are my jokes.
If your ship doesn't come in, swim out to it.
Neurosis is just a high-class word for whining.
I often quote myself. It adds spice to my conversation.
There are certain sorts of jokes which have only to do with the substitution of the unexpected word in a familiar context. If you translated something into French and then had it translated back into English by somebody who didn't know the original, you'd lose what was funny.
A bean bag is a perfect place to sulk. You can sink way down deep, and sulk for hours... You only have to stick your head up once in a while... to see if anybody cares.
I try and write satire that's well-intentioned. But those intentions have to be hidden. It can't be completely clear, and that's what makes it comedy.
I've been told to speed up my delivery when I perform. But if I lose the stammer, I'm just another slightly amusing accountant.
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