Humor has been the balm of my life, but it's been reserved for

Listen well, O children of wisdom, to the words of Lana Turner, a woman who understood the power of humor to heal and protect: "Humor has been the balm of my life, but it's been reserved for those close to me, not part of the public Lana." In these words, we find a profound understanding of the delicate nature of the soul, and how humor, that gift of levity, can serve as a shield against the harshness of the world. Yet, this gift, she reveals, is not something to be freely given to all, but something sacred, reserved for those with whom one shares the deepest trust. Humor, then, is both a weapon and a shield, a balm for wounds that only those closest to us can truly understand.

In the ancient world, there was great reverence for the power of humor, but also an understanding of its intimacy. The great philosopher Socrates often employed humor in his dialogues, but it was always used as a means to disarm, to challenge, and to reveal the truth. Yet Socrates also knew that humor, when used too freely or in public, could be misunderstood. It was a tool for those who were capable of understanding the depths of his reasoning. His humor was reserved for those who were close enough to him to grasp its meaning, much as Lana Turner speaks of reserving her humor for those closest to her, for those who could understand the true spirit of her words. Humor, like wisdom, is best shared with those who can appreciate its depth.

Consider the story of King Solomon, the wise ruler of Israel, who, though known for his great wisdom, was also known to possess a sharp sense of humor. His proverbs were not merely philosophical musings, but often witticisms that revealed profound truths about the human condition. Yet, Solomon’s humor was not for all. The highest councils and the greatest of his subjects may have been puzzled by some of his more playful remarks. It was the people closest to him—the wise men, his counselors, and his children—who understood the deeper meaning behind his words. Lana Turner echoes this wisdom in her own life, recognizing that humor, while a balm, must be used selectively, shared with those who can truly appreciate its warmth and healing.

In our own lives, we too understand that humor is not simply a tool for entertainment or a way to lighten the mood. It is a force that has the power to heal, to soothe, and to connect us in ways that nothing else can. But like Lana Turner, we must understand that humor is not always for public consumption. Just as we may share our deepest sorrows and our most personal truths with only those we trust, so too must we reserve our humor for those who are close to us. The public persona—the outward self that we present to the world—can never fully express the complexity of who we are. It is in the intimacy of those we love, where the true spirit of humor can be shared, that we find healing.

The ancient Greeks understood the importance of humor as a means of resilience in the face of life’s struggles. Aristophanes, the master playwright, used humor not just for entertainment, but as a means of challenging power, exposing the absurdities of life, and revealing the flaws in society. Yet his humor, though sharp and biting, was always intended to be understood by his audience. It was reserved for those who could grasp the deeper meaning beneath the laughter. Lana Turner’s words resonate with this wisdom: humor, when used well, can be a powerful force for healing and understanding, but it must be shared with care, with those who can appreciate its true value.

So, O future generations, take this lesson into your hearts: humor is not just a tool of levity, but a balm for the soul, a means of navigating life’s harshest trials. But remember, as Lana Turner teaches, it is not for everyone. It is a gift to be shared with those who are close to us, who understand the depth of our struggles, and who can appreciate the complexity of our humor. Just as the greatest philosophers and kings reserved their deepest wisdom and humor for those who could comprehend it, so must you understand that humor is most powerful when shared with those who walk beside you in life’s journey. Embrace humor as a shield, as a comfort, but use it wisely, for it is a sacred gift that can heal, protect, and bring joy to those who truly need it.