"Humorists can never start to take themselves seriously. It's literary suicide"
- Erma Bombeck
About this Quote
Erma Bombeck's assertion that "Humorists can never ever start to take themselves seriously. It's literary suicide," is a profound commentary on the unique nature and function of humor in literature and media. At its core, Bombeck is emphasizing the delicate balance humorists should keep to stay efficient and true to their craft.
Humor, by definition, grows on the ability to review, observe, and review the absurdities of life with lightheartedness and wit. This category of writing frequently serves as a lens through which we see the world with a sense of detachment and irony. However, when humorists start to take themselves too seriously, they might run the risk of losing this crucial neutrality. The severity that might permeate in might dull their comical edge, making their work less relatable and satisfying to audiences who seek laughter as a method of reprieve or reflection.
Furthermore, humorists often possess an inherent ability to discover levity in situations where others might not. This skill needs a level of self-deprecation and humbleness; after all, humor often occurs from acknowledging one's own flaws and recklessness within the broader human experience. If a humorist starts to take themselves too seriously, they might alienate their audience by appearing arrogant or out of touch-- qualities that can be antithetical to the approachable and self-aware nature numerous effective humorists show.
Bombeck's assertion also means the concept that humor itself is an act of rebellion versus taking life too seriously. The power of a humorist depends on their capability to challenge norms and express facts in a manner that is palatable and appealing. When they wander off from this objective, they devote "literary suicide" by undermining their authority within the realm of comedic writing.
In essence, Bombeck's quote acts as a cautionary pointer for humorists to remain grounded, preserving the light-heartedness and self-awareness that enable them to connect with their audience and continue eliciting laughter and reflection.
This quote is written / told by Erma Bombeck between February 21, 1927 and April 22, 1996. She was a famous Journalist from USA.
The author also have 61 other quotes.
"I think about death a lot, like I think we all do. I don't think of suicide as an option, but as fun. It's an interesting idea that you can control how you go. It's this thing that's looming, and you can control it"
"The suicide arrives at the conclusion that what he is seeking does not exist; the seeker concludes that what he has not yet looked in the right place"
"To run away from trouble is a form of cowardice and, while it is true that the suicide braves death, he does it not for some noble object but to escape some ill"