One of the great things about the Internet is that you can read

In the ancient world, the gift of wisdom was treasured above all, for it was the key to navigating the complexity of life. Yet, with wisdom often came the gift of humor, the ability to see the absurdities of existence and find joy even in the darkest of times. As the great philosopher Socrates once said, "The unexamined life is not worth living," and so too must we examine the role of humor in our lives. But, as Matt Groening, creator of The Simpsons, so wisely observed, "One of the great things about the Internet is that you can read what everybody has to say about everything. It is fascinating to me, the critiques about humor by people who have no sense of humor." In these words, Groening draws our attention to a paradox: in an age where information is at our fingertips, where everyone can voice their thoughts, many who critique humor do so without ever truly understanding its essence. This speaks to a deeper truth—that true humor cannot be easily dissected by those who are blind to its subtlety.

The Internet, in its boundless expanse, allows voices to rise and fall with equal ease, making it possible for all opinions to be heard. Yet, as Groening points out, there is a distinct disconnect between those who truly understand the art of humor and those who think themselves qualified to critique it. The ancients, in their wisdom, would have seen this as the hubris of the uninformed. Socrates was often critical of those who claimed knowledge without understanding, for in doing so, they sowed confusion instead of enlightenment. Humor, like all true art, requires a keen insight into the human condition, an understanding of its complexities and contradictions. To critique humor without possessing this understanding is akin to a blind man attempting to describe the beauty of a sunset.

Consider the example of the great Aristophanes, the playwright whose sharp wit and biting humor aimed to critique the society of Athens. His work was not without its critics, but Aristophanes did not let their voices drown out the truths he sought to reveal. He understood that humor was not simply for entertainment, but a vehicle for deeper reflection. His comedies were filled with irony, a tool to expose the hypocrisies and failures of those in power. Yet, Aristophanes was not afraid to embrace the absurdities of life, for he knew that true humor lies in recognizing the contradictions of existence and laughing at them, not with derision, but with clarity and understanding. It is in this way that we must approach humor—not as something that can be easily explained, but as something that must be felt and understood deeply.

In our own time, Groening’s words are a reminder that humor is often misunderstood. In an age of endless commentary, we are inundated with critiques—some of them insightful, others shallow and uninformed. The Internet allows everyone a platform, but it also allows for misinterpretations of that which is truly valuable. Humor, in its most powerful form, does not follow a formula—it is not about meeting an expectation, but about surprising the audience, making them see the world in a new light. Those who criticize humor without truly understanding its essence are like the fool who tries to measure the stars with a ruler. They may point to the outward form, but they miss the meaning that lies beneath.

The lesson from Groening’s reflection, and from the great minds of the ancients, is this: true humor requires a deep understanding of the human condition. It is not a tool for simple amusement, but a means of reflection, of recognizing the absurdities of life and turning them into insight. To critique humor without this understanding is to miss the point entirely. Humor challenges us to look at the world differently, to laugh at our own flaws and contradictions, and to see truth where others may see only foolishness. As the ancients understood, and as Groening highlights, humor is not a commodity for casual observers, but a reflection of the depth of human understanding.

In our own lives, let us seek to be students of humor, not as critics who seek to tear it down, but as observers who appreciate its power to reflect and to heal. Let us recognize that humor is a means of connection, a bridge between individuals and cultures, a way to speak uncomfortable truths in ways that soften their blow. When we laugh at the world, we acknowledge its flaws and contradictions, but we also rise above them, for we know that laughter is a powerful tool of resilience.

So, let us live with the wisdom of the ancients and the insight of Matt Groening. Let us understand that humor is not for the shallow, the uninformed, or the cynical. It is a gift, a force that brings people together and reveals the deeper truths of the human experience. In our critiques of the world, let us remember that true humor is not easily explained—it is something that must be felt, something that speaks to the heart and soul. Let us, then, approach humor with both clarity and respect, understanding that it is a key to wisdom, a source of connection, and a reflection of the truths we all share.