"A taste for irony has kept more hearts from breaking than a sense of humor, for it takes irony to appreciate the joke which is on oneself"

The quote by Jessamyn West recommends that irony and humor, while associated, have different effect on a person's resilience and self-awareness. At its core, the statement stresses the protective quality of paradox compared to simple humor, especially when it pertains to self-reflection and individual difficulty.

"A taste for paradox has actually kept more hearts from breaking than a sense of humor" recommends that paradox functions as a shield, allowing people to face difficult or uncomfortable circumstances with a layer of detachment. Unlike humor, which often involves finding amusement in a scenario, paradox permits a nuanced understanding that includes acknowledging contradictions or absurdities without the need for laughter. It invites introspection and a sober acknowledgment of life's intricacies, offering a buffer against emotional distress. In this sense, paradox serves as a coping mechanism, helping to prevent heartbreak by permitting people to see beyond instant disappointments to the broader paradoxes of life.

The 2nd part of the quote, "for it takes irony to appreciate the joke which is on oneself," underscores the concept that self-awareness needs a paradoxical point of view. When people recognize that deep space's capriciousness can render them both the protagonist and the punchline, they cultivate humility and durability. This self-deprecating irony assists people to accept their flaws and the unforeseen turns of life with grace. Instead of simply laughing at external situations, they learn to make fun of themselves, acknowledging their flaws and the unpredictable nature of existence.

In summary, Jessamyn West's quote commemorates paradox as a much deeper, more reflective type of humor. It implies that paradox's acknowledgment of life's contradictions and one's own fallibility cultivates durability. This point of view enables individuals to browse life's obstacles with a sense of understanding and approval, which ultimately secures the heart better than humor alone.