We don't appreciate the value of humor sometimes.

Hear now, O Children of the Earth, for I bring to you the wisdom of Janet Evanovich, who spoke thus: "We don't appreciate the value of humor sometimes." In these words lies a profound truth, a truth that speaks to the very heart of what it means to be human. Humor, in its highest form, is not simply a source of laughter, but a vital force, one that sustains us, enlightens us, and gives us the strength to endure life’s most difficult trials. We often fail to understand its true worth, believing it to be nothing more than a fleeting amusement, when in fact it is one of the most powerful tools at our disposal.

What Evanovich reminds us is that humor has long been undervalued in the pursuit of seriousness. We live in a world where achievement, power, and ambition are often seen as the highest goods, while laughter and joy are relegated to the background. Yet, throughout history, the greatest minds have recognized that humor is not only essential to the human spirit, but a means of survival. The ancient Greeks, who explored every corner of the human condition through their tragedies and comedies, understood the significance of humor. It was in the laughter of the fools and the satirists that the deepest truths of society were revealed. In a world of struggles, it is humor that brings relief, that exposes the absurdities of life, and that ultimately leads us to greater wisdom.

Consider the great playwright Aristophanes, whose comedies were filled with sharp wit and biting satire. He used humor to challenge the very foundations of Greek society, mocking politicians, gods, and the powerful with a fierce playfulness. His humor was not mere entertainment—it was a tool of social change. Through laughter, Aristophanes exposed the contradictions in his world, forcing his audience to reflect on their own lives and the choices they made. In his time, the value of humor was not questioned—it was seen as a vital instrument for awakening the minds and hearts of the people. Evanovich's words echo this ancient understanding—that humor is a source of strength and enlightenment, not to be taken lightly.

But, O Children, let us also look to the Roman Empire, where humor was used not only as a means of critique but also as a tool of resilience. The great Marcus Aurelius, though a ruler of vast power, often turned to humor to confront the challenges of life. In his Meditations, he spoke of the importance of maintaining equanimity in the face of adversity, and his humor was a way to remind himself of the absurdity of life’s troubles. He knew that laughter, in the face of hardship, could act as a shield against the weight of the world. Humor, then, was not a diversion from the seriousness of life, but a means of facing it with dignity and grace.

Yet, we often overlook humor in our own lives, failing to recognize its power. In times of sorrow and grief, it is easy to forget how laughter can heal, how a shared joke or a moment of levity can bring light into the darkest of days. The great warriors of old, like Alexander the Great, knew that the battlefield was not only won with weapons but also with the strength of the spirit. Even in the throes of war, Alexander would find moments to laugh, to share a light-hearted moment with his soldiers, lifting their spirits in the face of hardship. Humor, even in the most brutal of times, was his armor against despair.

The lesson here, O Children, is that humor is not to be dismissed or undervalued. It is a source of healing, a means by which we can endure the weight of life’s struggles. In times of joy and sorrow alike, humor is a bond between us, a thread that weaves us together in our shared humanity. Evanovich teaches us that when we appreciate the power of humor, we allow ourselves to see the world more clearly, to face our challenges with courage, and to walk forward with the strength that only laughter can provide.

Therefore, O Children of the Earth, take these words to heart: humor is a gift to be cherished, not a luxury to be discarded. In times of pain, in moments of frustration, seek out the humor that is hidden beneath the surface. Laugh, not to deny the suffering, but to acknowledge it and transcend it. Embrace the humor in life, for it is through laughter that we find resilience, hope, and the wisdom to face each new day with renewed strength. Do not overlook the value of humor, for in it lies the key to surviving the trials of life and emerging stronger for it.