"Comedy, we may say, is society protecting itself - with a smile"
- J. B. Priestley
About this Quote
J.B. Priestley's quote suggests that comedy serves a purpose in society by providing a lighthearted means of addressing serious or sensitive issues. It acts as a form of protection or insulation for the society, which may be under threat from various forms of tension and pressure, by bringing laughter instead. Through comedy, people can express themselves freely about those same issues, which they would not be able to do without the protection of comedy. It is like society's coping mechanism that allows individuals to release their thoughts and emotions without causing any harm or repercussions.
Priestley's use of "smile" also emphasizes the gentle, inoffensive nature of comedy, which, while it can be used to comment on or criticize society, is generally not meant to be hurtful or cruel. Rather, it seeks to make people laugh and feel a sense of relief and escape from their everyday problems. Overall, Priestley's quote suggests that comedy is not just entertainment but also plays an essential social role in helping people to cope with the difficulties of life.
This quote is written / told by J. B. Priestley between September 13, 1894 and August 14, 1984. He was a famous Writer from United Kingdom, the quote is categorized under the topic Humor. The author also have 29 other quotes.
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