Abraham Lincoln: 'With the fearful strain that is on me night and day, if I did not laugh I should die.'

With the fearful strain that is on me night and day, if I did not laugh I should die.

The quote by Abraham Lincoln, "With the fearful strain that is on me night and day, if I did not laugh I should die," holds a profound meaning and importance that transcends time and resonates with individuals from various walks of life. Lincoln, renowned for his leadership during the tumultuous times of the American Civil War, recognized the immense weight of responsibility that rested upon his shoulders, leaving him with the constant burden of stress and anxiety. However, amidst this perpetual strain, Lincoln acknowledged that laughter was not only a reprieve but also a coping mechanism that kept him going.At its core, Lincoln's quote showcases the power of laughter as a therapeutic tool that can alleviate stress, provide solace, and serve as a means of emotional survival. In the face of overwhelming pressure, Lincoln found solace in humor and its ability to provide temporary relief from the weight of his responsibilities. It highlights the significance of maintaining a lighthearted perspective and finding moments of levity even in the face of adversity.But to truly appreciate the depth of Lincoln's quote, it is vital to explore a philosophical concept that intertwines with the importance of laughter - the idea of existentialism. Existentialism, a philosophical movement that emerged in the 19th and 20th centuries, focuses on the individual's existence, freedom, and the search for meaning in an absurd and often chaotic world.Within the realm of existentialism, laughter takes on a whole new dimension. It becomes a tool not only for survival but also for asserting one's freedom and challenging the inherent meaninglessness of existence. Laughter can be seen as an act of defiance against the absurdity of life, a way to mock the unpredictability and chaos that relentlessly surrounds us.In the context of Lincoln's quote, one can interpret his laughter as an existential act of rebellion against the overwhelming strain that threatened to consume him. By embracing laughter, Lincoln not only temporarily escaped the weight of his burdens but also asserted his freedom, refusing to let the circumstances define his spirit.In contrast to this existential perspective, one might argue that laughter, in itself, is a futile and superficial response to the profundity of existence. This opposing view suggests that humor, though momentarily relieving, ultimately masks the underlying depth and complexity of our human experiences. According to this line of thinking, laughter may serve as a temporary distraction, but it fails to address the underlying existential questions that plague us all.However, it is crucial to recognize that laughter does not serve as a panacea for the existential struggle; rather, it serves as a complementary tool in navigating the complexities of human existence. Laughter and existentialism need not be mutually exclusive, but rather can coexist as valuable aspects of the human experience.In the end, Lincoln's quote speaks to the universal need for laughter as a means of survival and self-preservation. It reminds us of the importance of finding moments of joy and humor, even in the midst of overwhelming challenges. Whether viewed through the lens of existentialism or simply as a means of temporary respite, laughter remains a powerful and healing force that allows us to confront the strain and uncertainties of life. As Lincoln wisely recognized, without the ability to laugh, we risk letting the weight of our burdens overwhelm us, making laughter not just a luxury but a necessity for our mental and emotional well-being.