Evan Davis: 'Being funny, it turns out, is like being a bank. It's a confidence trick. As long as everyone believes in you, you are fine.'

Being funny, it turns out, is like being a bank. It's a confidence trick. As long as everyone believes in you, you are fine.

The quote by Evan Davis, "Being funny, it turns out, is like being a bank. It's a confidence trick. As long as everyone believes in you, you are fine," encapsulates the essence of humor and its reliance on the perception of others. In a straightforward manner, this quote suggests that humor is dependent on the confidence of the comedian and the audience's belief in their wit. It highlights the dynamic relationship between the deliverer and the recipient of humor, emphasizing the importance of shared understanding and validation. However, to delve deeper into this concept, let us introduce an unexpected philosophical concept - the notion of existentialism.Existentialism, a philosophical perspective that emphasizes the individual's existence and freedom of choice, adds an intriguing layer to the discussion. According to existentialists, human beings are responsible for creating purpose and meaning in their lives. In this context, being funny can be seen as an existential pursuit. Comedians, like individuals, face the challenge of ascribing significance to their actions and generating laughter amid the complexities of existence. The parallel between humor and banking may appear incongruous at first, but upon closer inspection, a fascinating connection emerges.Just as a bank relies on the trust and confidence of its customers to sustain its operations, a comedian's success hinges on the belief and endorsement of their audience. The bank operates behind a façade of security and reliability, and similarly, a comedian plays the role of an entertainer, ensuring laughter and amusement. Both institutions – banks and comedians – depend on the collective trust and faith of their respective consumers and spectators. While one provides financial security, the other offers emotional relief through humor. Both are intricate confidence-based systems.However, an essential distinction arises when we consider the subjective nature of humor. One person's comedic genius can be another's tasteless joke. Unlike banking, which often relies on tangible factors such as regulations and financial stability, humor operates in a realm of personal interpretation. What one finds funny may not resonate with someone else. This inherent subjectivity exposes comedians to the risk of losing their audience's belief and support.Furthermore, the prevalence of social media and the democratization of comedy have augmented this precariousness. In the age of viral videos and instant feedback, the confidence trick has become even more challenging to maintain. Comedians now face the daunting task of capturing the attention and approval of an audience inundated with an overwhelming abundance of comedic content. The pressure to generate laughter and maintain relevance has intensified, as the belief in their comedic prowess can quickly crumble with a single poorly received joke.Despite the inherent vulnerability embedded within the comedy circuit, there is also a remarkable resilience found in the world of humor. Just as a bank may endure financial crises by reestablishing trust and implementing reforms, comedians can regain their audience's belief through adaptability and innovation. By evolving their style, experimenting with new comedic devices, and connecting with different demographics, comedians can maintain the ever-crucial confidence and belief of their supporters.The parallel between comedy and banking in terms of confidence tricks ultimately reminds us of the delicate balance of perception. Like a tightrope walker teetering precariously above, comedians navigate the thin line between failure and success, relying on the faith of their audience to maintain their footing. As long as the collective belief endures, the comedic endeavor remains strong. However, it is this very fragility that imbues the world of comedy with a sense of excitement and intrigue.In conclusion, Evan Davis's quote regarding the likeness of being funny to being a bank sheds light on the precarious nature of comedy and humor. Through the introduction of existentialist philosophy, we have explored the idea that humor, like life itself, requires individuals to create purpose and meaning amid an ever-changing landscape. The comparison between comedy and banking highlights the importance of confidence and belief in both worlds. However, the subjective nature of humor, coupled with the challenges of the digital age, exposes comedians to a unique vulnerability. Yet, it is precisely this vulnerability that fuels the resilience, adaptability, and constant pursuit of laughter found within the realm of comedy. So, next time you find yourself laughing uncontrollably, remember the intricate dance of confidence and perception that lies behind the art of being funny.