"You are not angry with people when you laugh at them. Humor teaches tolerance"

W. Somerset Maugham's quote, "You are not mad with individuals when you laugh at them. Humor teaches tolerance," presents a nuanced point of view on the function of humor in human relationships and society. At its core, this declaration suggests that laughter can be a conduit for understanding and accepting others, even when their behaviors or beliefs vary significantly from our own.

When we make fun of somebody, it doesn't necessarily originate from a location of malice or ridicule. Instead, it typically symbolizes a softening of the boundaries that separate us from others. Laughter, in this context, functions as a social lube, easing tensions and bridging divides. It implies a shared understanding or acknowledgment of shared human frailties, which can liquify anger and foster compassion. In this method, humor becomes a tool for developing tolerance.

Humor's ability to teach tolerance lies in its power to highlight the absurdities and contradictions inherent in human nature. By bringing attention to these in a light-hearted way, humor motivates us to reevaluate our stiff judgments and predispositions. It offers a various lens through which to view individuals's actions, promoting empathy instead of condemnation.

Moreover, Maugham's quote underscores the significance of the intent behind humor. When humor is used to connect instead of to push away, it serves to diffuse hostility and avoid the escalation of dispute. By choosing to laugh, we choose to understand instead of to push away, to accept rather than to turn down.

In our increasingly polarized world, this interpretation of humor as a vehicle for tolerance is particularly pertinent. It challenges us to find the mankind in those we disagree with and to utilize humor to construct bridges instead of walls. Ultimately, Maugham's quote encourages a point of view where humor is not just about entertainment but about accepting a broader, more understanding outlook on life and human interactions.