"A joke is not a thing but a process, a trick you play on the listener's mind. You start him off toward a plausible goal, and then by a sudden twist you land him nowhere at all or just where he didn't expect to go"
- Max Eastman
About this Quote
In this quote, Max Eastman is describing the nature of a joke. He suggests that a joke is not just a things or a declaration, but rather a process that includes controling the listener's ideas. The joke-teller begins by leading the listener towards a rational and believable outcome, just to quickly alter direction and leave them with an unexpected or unforeseen outcome. This abrupt twist is what makes a joke reliable and enjoyable. Eastman also indicates that the success of a joke relies greatly on the listener's mind and their capability to be led and amazed. In general, this quote highlights the smart and strategic nature of humor.
This quote is written / told by Max Eastman between January 4, 1883 and March 25, 1969. He was a famous Author from USA.
The author also have 15 other quotes.
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"Jazz vision is the fusion of music and art a real paradox of same-yet different. Here we play in exchanges, like the hardness of the key of c# major and from the softness of Db major - capturing, reflecting and improvising"
"Genius is not a possession of the limited few, but exists in some degree in everyone. Where there is natural growth, a full and free play of faculties, genius will manifest itself"
