June 16, 2020

Humor: the Natural Medicine



Image courtesy of Digitalebadges:waterwaarom/CVO Antwerpen

“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.”-- Proverbs 17:22 (KJV)

There’s no shortage of seriousness and drama. Ask anyone, and they can probably give you hundreds of valid reasons to be frightened.

Informed people know how to expect, and how to prepare for, the worst that can happen. On the other hand, we shouldn’t forget that all-natural mood booster: humor.

Laughter is like a mini vacation. It temporarily liberates our minds from any unpleasant reality.

Groucho Marx (1890-1977.  American comedian, actor, and writer)

This comic legend is most remembered for the timeless movies he made with his siblings. The Marx brothers created quite a few films together.

Did these natural comedians have a carefree life? Umm, no.
  • Their mother was a Jewish German. Her home country wasn’t hospitable to Jews at that time. Her adopted country, the U.S., fought against Germany once World War 1 began. (Fun fact: Harpo Marx’s given name was Adolph.)
  • Groucho lost his fortune in the Great Depression of 1929.


Groucho Marx Quotes From funnycomedianquotes.com

“There's one way to find out if a man is honest - ask him. If he says, "Yes," you know he is a crook.”

“I refuse to join any club that would have me as a member.”

“I was married by a judge. I should have asked for a jury.”

“If you find it hard to laugh at yourself, I would be happy to do it for you.”

“Marriage is the chief cause of divorce.”

Groucho Marx Quotes From liveabout.com

“I never forget a face, but in your case, I'll be glad to make an exception.”

“I've had a perfectly wonderful evening. But this wasn't it.”

“All people are born alike—except Republicans and Democrats.”

“One morning I shot an elephant in my pajamas. How he got into my pajamas, I'll never know.”

“From the moment I picked up your book until I laid it down, I was convulsed with laughter. Some day I intend reading it.”

“Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read.”

One of the most prominent Marx Brothers movies is Night at the Opera, made in 1935. It’s an intriguing mashup of slapstick humor, romance, action, the triumph of sidelined people, music, and …oh, yes, Groucho’s famous one-liners.  

There are lots of funny scenes in this constantly laugh-out-loud movie. I have posted the links to two of them below. Have fun!


The Overcrowded Cabin



 Chaos at the Opera


My Conclusion

 “When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.”

“Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The Lord hath done great things for them.”

“The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.”

“Turn again our captivity, O Lord, as the streams in the south.”

“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.”

“He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.”

-- Psalm 126: 1-6 (KJV)

Are you setting aside time for healing laughter?




2 comments:

  1. Thank you for the reminder of these funny quips. I remember many of them. And, YES, laughter is an amazing healer.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Modern technology makes classic comedy like this accessible to everyone. That's a true blessing. Often, when laughing is the last thing we feel like doing, it's the most beneficial.

    ReplyDelete