Langston Hughes: 'Humor is laughing at what you haven't got when you ought to have it.'

Humor is laughing at what you haven't got when you ought to have it.

Langston Hughes once said, "Humor is laughing at what you haven't got when you ought to have it." This quote reflects the essence of humor as a means to find joy in the midst of lacking something we desire or expect to have. It emphasizes the power of laughter and the ability to find amusement in life's disappointments. In a straightforward manner, this quote suggests that humor allows us to find solace and laughter even in situations where we are devoid of something we feel we should possess.To delve deeper into the significance of this quote, it is intriguing to introduce a philosophical concept that contrasts with the straightforward interpretation. Existentialism, a philosophical theory that emphasizes the individual's existence and freedom of choice, presents an interesting approach when considering humor's role in life. In the context of laughter at what we lack, Existentialism encourages reflection and introspection into the deeper meaning behind our desires and expectations. It invites us to question why we place such importance on certain things and ultimately challenges us to transcend the significance of materialistic longing.While Existentialism may advocate for a more profound reflection on our desires, Hughes' quote reminds us that humor can be a balm for the soul in difficult times. Life often presents us with situations where we confront our own limitations or experience unfulfilled aspirations. In such moments, humor allows us to cope and find joy. Laughing at what we lack can be freeing, as it helps us see beyond the confines of expectations and recognize the absurdity of our desires, ultimately embracing the imperfections of life.In a way, humor becomes a coping mechanism and a tool for resilience. It acknowledges that not everything goes according to plan, and instead of dwelling on what we lack, we learn to accept it with laughter. The ability to find humor in our shortcomings grants us the power to navigate through life's disappointments and adapt to unforeseen circumstances. By laughing at what we do not have, we gain a sense of liberation, enabling us to find contentment even in the absence of our desires.Moreover, humor extends beyond the individual and fosters connections among people. It serves as a unifying force, allowing individuals to bond over shared laughter and shared experiences of lacking. Through humor, we find solace in the collective acknowledgment of life's absurdities and unfulfilled desires. It brings people together by reminding us that we all have experienced similar struggles and can find common ground in laughter.In conclusion, Langston Hughes' quote encourages us to find humor in situations where we lack what we believe we should possess. Despite the initial straightforward interpretation, when juxtaposed with Existentialism, it serves as a reminder to reflect on the deeper meaning of our desires. However, it also emphasizes the importance of laughter and the power it holds in helping us cope with life's disappointments. By embracing humor, we find resilience, acceptance, and communal connections. So, let us not forget that sometimes the best response to what we lack is to laugh heartily, appreciating the ironies and absurdities of life.