"Humour is the weapon of unarmed people: it helps people who are oppressed to smile at the situation that pains them"

In this quote, Simon Wiesenthal describes humor as a powerful tool for those who lack physical, social, or political means to defend themselves. He suggests that humor functions as a coping system, making it possible for oppressed people to discover solace and relief in challenging circumstances. Wiesenthal highlights how humor enables people to for a moment distance themselves from their pain, allowing them to see the absurdity or irony of their situation. By using humor to smile in the face of misfortune, the oppressed recover a sense of agency and empowerment. In general, Wiesenthal stresses the transformative power of humor, which makes it possible for individuals to maintain their durability and self-respect even in the most difficult scenarios.