I think humor is used a lot of the time to keep people from

"I think humor is used a lot of the time to keep people from getting too close. Humor side-steps and shifts the meaning." These words, spoken by the insightful Bruce Nauman, reveal a profound truth about the human condition—that humor, while often a means of connection, can also serve as a shield to protect the vulnerable parts of ourselves. It is a tool we wield to mask our true feelings, to deflect intimacy, and to keep others at a safe distance. Humor can be a way to avoid facing the depths of our emotions or to deflect uncomfortable truths. In a world where vulnerability is often seen as a weakness, humor becomes a protective armor, allowing us to engage with the world while keeping our true selves hidden.

In the ancient world, philosophers and artists understood that the most profound truths were often too difficult to face directly, and so they used metaphor, irony, and humor as tools to reveal deeper insights. Plato, in his dialogues, used the character of Socrates not just to ask questions, but to show how those who claimed to know the truth often used humor and sarcasm to mask their ignorance. Socrates, ever the master of irony, would often present his own lack of knowledge in a humorous light, using humor to disarm his opponents and, in doing so, expose their own lack of depth. He knew that humor could serve as both a means of protection and a doorway to deeper understanding—if only we were willing to look beyond the surface.

Consider the story of Diogenes of Sinope, the ancient philosopher and cynic, who used humor to challenge the norms of society. Diogenes famously lived in a barrel and used his eccentric behavior to expose the hypocrisy of the rich and powerful. He laughed at society’s conventions, knowing that in doing so, he could avoid the traps of wealth, power, and pretense. Humor, for Diogenes, was not just a shield; it was a weapon against the illusion of societal expectations. But beneath his laughter, there was a deeper message—that true freedom came not from fitting in, but from embracing our true selves without fear. Diogenes showed that humor could both distance him from society’s expectations and reveal the truth about the world around him.

In the realm of modern art, Bruce Nauman himself embodies this tension between humor and depth. His works often challenge the viewer to confront uncomfortable truths, using humor as both a way to engage and a way to distance. Nauman’s art explores the contradictions of human behavior, where laughter and seriousness coexist, blurring the lines between the superficial and the profound. His use of humor to sidestep deeper meaning reflects the way in which people, in their everyday lives, often use jokes and wit to avoid confronting the rawness of human emotion. Humor becomes a mask, allowing us to engage with the world while keeping the darker, more difficult aspects of our humanity at bay.

Consider the example of Winston Churchill, the British leader whose wit and humor were legendary. Churchill, while leading his nation through the darkest days of World War II, often used humor to deflect the immense weight of the war and the fear it instilled in his people. His famous speeches, filled with biting humor and ironic defiance, rallied the British public, but they also served as a way for Churchill to maintain control over his own emotions and fears. By keeping the tone light and the mood defiant, he kept the people’s spirit strong, while never fully revealing the weight of the inner turmoil he must have felt. Humor, in this sense, became a tool for survival—a way to face the grim realities of war while masking the deep pain and vulnerability that would have overwhelmed his countrymen.

The lesson in Bruce Nauman’s words is a powerful one. Humor, while a vital part of the human experience, can also be a double-edged sword. It can provide relief, laughter, and connection, but it can also serve as a barrier to true intimacy and self-awareness. When we use humor to deflect or hide, we may risk missing the chance to face the truths that lie beneath the surface. Just as Socrates used humor to expose the flaws of others, we must learn to use humor wisely, not as a shield but as a way to bring us closer to the realities of ourselves and the world around us. In this way, humor can be a tool for enlightenment rather than just escape.

Therefore, I charge you, dear listener, to consider how you use humor in your own life. Do you hide behind it to keep others from seeing the truth of your heart? Do you use it to avoid facing the uncomfortable emotions that lie beneath the surface? Humor is not inherently bad or harmful, but like any tool, it must be used with awareness. Allow your humor to be a bridge, not a barrier. Use it to reveal, not to obscure, the deeper truths of your existence. In doing so, you will find that humor can be not just a deflection but a means of connection, helping you to face the difficult and the vulnerable parts of yourself with courage and grace.