Bishop Emeritus Nikol Cauchi contributes to our encyclopaedia on humour. We loved it and we reproduce it in whole since it will vanish from the ether soon and we do not want that do we? (our highlights)
Sense of humour
I sometimes wonder whether primitive man had any literary tastes, though it is more likely he was too busy devouring some husk or other since his overriding concern was survival. There is some risk of modern man losing his liking for poetry and art too, due to his eagerness to gain maximum advantage from technological progress. But at least there are still a handful of people, young and old, who can spare some time and energy for reading. And they will be aware that several of their favourite authors show a vein of humour in their writings.
In the history of Western European literature, there are some authors and poets who made a name for themselves through their frequent use of humorous expressions. They do not shun parody, sarcasm and satire. Their aim is not solely to amuse their readers - and much less to vent anger or hate - but also to deliver a useful message to their readers which may help to reform or improve social living.
Take, for example, Cervantes, the author of Don Quixote, who ridiculed the ostentation of pomp and chivalry of his age, and Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam, who directed the following words at his erudite friend Sir Thomas More: "In response to the charge of sarcasm, I reply that this freedom has always been permitted to men of wit, that in their satire they make fun of common behaviour of men, with impunity, as long as their freedom does not go to an extreme". This was more than four centuries ago.
A sense of humour in some quarters may be as rare as common sense - two human characteristics that even in our country are a bit of a luxury - though surely if they were more abundant people would lead a happier life. A sense of humour is a reality which beats every definition and it bears a slight resemblance to mercy because it benefits both the giver and receiver. I have to admit that I enjoy meeting people with a jovial nature, and have often felt awkward during encounters with those who display a lack of it.
According to the common saying, everybody likes a joke. But there are countless exceptions to this sweeping remark. It is closer to the truth to say that some people are so devoid of a sense of humour that they can hardly understand a light-hearted remark, or, worse still, are offended by it.
Someone once said: "Laugh and the world laughs with you; Weep, and you weep alone". But, strangely enough, some individuals seem more content to cry than being provoked into a smile. A sense of humour is an ingredient of our western culture that seems to become more deep-rooted as the standard of education rises; but I entertain doubts as to whether this process is happening in other cultures. An innocent joke, a witty expression or some gentle leg-pulling which is gladly accepted by one group of people may be highly offensive to others.
It would be do an enormous amount of good if more and more people from various cultures would be able to appreciate a harmless joke, and display a sense of humour. In certain situations only dialogue can lead to better understanding and bilateral tolerance. The need for this is badly felt in every place that people meet and live - in the family, industrial relations, and even in international forums. Provided that there is goodwill on both sides, a sense of humour cannot fail to make discussions smoother and more fruitful. It could also, perhaps, improve inter-cultural relations, and avert clashes of civilisations.
There is a simple prayer on the wall at Chester Cathedral that has often been a source of inspiration for me: "Give me a sense of humour, Lord! Give me the grace to see a joke, to get some happiness in life, and pass it on, to other folk". Perhaps it can inspire a few others too.
[This article appeared in the Times of Malta online on the day of Local Council Elections 11.03.06 in the Talking Point column]
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