Things have to be funny first, and if they want to have a point, that's awesome.
Interpretation
Humor should be enjoyable on its own, and if it also conveys a message, that's a bonus.
John Mulaney's quote suggests that the primary objective of humor is to elicit laughter and enjoyment. While humor can carry deeper messages or meanings, its main purpose should always be to entertain; any insightful commentary that arises is simply an added benefit.
In practice
In a comedy show, a comedian can use this quote to emphasize the importance of humor in their performance.
I never turn on the crowd. Sometimes, you think it's a terrible show, and then afterward, sometimes people say they really liked it. So turning on the crowd is only going to alienate the few people who might like it. What do I do in that situation? Get through it.
I have found that people who really want to work at 'Saturday Night Live' and pursue it get pretty close. You have to be funny - but everyone who works there, it was their dream to work there. So it's kind of nice in that way - there's a lot of people who say, 'I just always wanted to do this, and now I'm doing it.'
Sometimes I - with comedy, it's like someone liking you in high school. They either do, or they don't. And when they don't, they don't. And that's it. There are no appeals. You show up, and you're like, 'Hi! I'm -' and you stumble, and they're like, 'It's over.'
Some have supposed that the mosquito is of a devout turn, and never will partake of a meal without first saying grace. The devotions of some men are but a preface to blood-sucking.
I find that people find a way out of misery through humor and it's humor that's often unacceptable to people who are not in quite such a state of misery.
Everyone has a right to be stupid, but Comrade MacDonald abuses the privilege.
Anybody, providing he knows how to be amusing, has the right to talk about himself.
Cats will amusingly tolerate humans only until someone comes up with a tin opener that can be operated with a paw.
I'm as old as my tongue and a little older than my teeth.
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