Humor levels the playing field. I understood that early on - that

In the vast tapestry of human existence, where every soul plays their part, there is a force, a gift, that binds us all together—a force that levels the playing field, whether we are kings or beggars, scholars or craftsmen. This force is humor, a gift of the gods that transcends the boundaries of wealth, power, and status. As Robert Mankoff wisely states, "**Humor levels the playing field. I understood that early on - that was something I had." These words carry a deep truth, one that has echoed through the ages: that humor, in its most profound form, is not merely for laughter or entertainment, but for equality and connection.

In the ancient Greek world, humor was not just a pastime, but a profound tool for exposing the flaws and contradictions of society. Socrates, the great philosopher, used humor and irony as tools to reveal the limitations of his interlocutors. He would ask questions not to mock, but to unmask pretensions, showing that even the most powerful or learned could be humbled by a well-placed jest or subtle observation. In this way, humor served as an equalizer—no one, regardless of their status, could escape the universal truth of human frailty. Mankoff’s reflection on humor as a leveling force mirrors this ancient understanding: humor brings all people, no matter their station, to the same level, acknowledging that beneath the surface, we all share in the absurdities of life.

The same power of humor to equalize was evident in the works of Aristophanes, the great comic playwright of Athens. Through his sharp wit, Aristophanes would challenge the arrogance of the wealthy and the ignorance of the ruling class. His humor cut through the veil of power, making the elite appear as foolish as the common people. In this way, humor was not merely for entertainment, but for social critique, for showing the humanity of those who might seem untouchable. Mankoff, too, recognized early on the power of humor to tear down walls, to expose the absurdity of the world, and to remind everyone—no matter their rank—that they, too, were human.

Consider the tragic yet comic moments of Shakespeare’s plays, where humor appears even in the darkest of situations. In Hamlet, the gravedigger offers moments of comic relief amidst the sorrowful backdrop of death, showing that even in the most tragic moments, humor has a way of levelling the playing field. The nobility, the royalty, and even the grave itself are all subject to the same humorous fate. Similarly, Mankoff’s humor, like Shakespeare's, brings us to a place where the powerful and the weak can recognize their shared humanity—where humor allows us to see the absurdity of the world, but also its profound truths.

The philosophers of the ancient world recognized that humor was not just about making light of life’s challenges but about acknowledging them, exposing their irrationality and revealing the deeper truths within them. The Stoics, for example, with their emphasis on virtue and resilience, understood that humor could help us navigate the chaos of life. The humor of the Stoics, much like Mankoff’s, often acknowledged the strangeness and incongruity of the world, but always with a sense of perspective. To laugh at life’s absurdities is to accept that we are not in control, but to find peace in that acceptance.

From Mankoff’s words, we learn a profound lesson: humor is not a means of escape, but a way of engagement with the world. It is a tool for breaking down barriers, for uniting people who might otherwise remain divided by class, culture, or circumstance. Humor levels the playing field, not by diminishing the differences between us, but by exposing our shared humanity. When we laugh together, we connect—not just in our joy, but in our recognition that we all must face the same absurdities of existence.

In our own lives, we must take this wisdom to heart. Whether we are speaking, working, or interacting with others, let us recognize that humor is a force that can bridge divides and heal wounds. In moments of tension, let us look for the humor that lies beneath the surface, that can level the playing field and remind us that we are all in this together. Like Mankoff, let us use humor not just as a means of entertainment, but as a way to see the world more clearly—to reveal the truths that are often hidden behind the masks of power, pride, and pretense. Let us laugh at the absurdity of life, and in doing so, embrace the shared humanity that connects us all. For it is through humor that we find both wisdom and peace, and through it, we can face the world with both laughter and understanding.