Funny

Another kind of social interaction that we enjoy is comedy. In this area there are things that are tasteful and others that are not so much. It has to do with saying and listening to the things one should and in a manner that one should. Of course the group you are in makes all the difference as to how far one should take both listening and saying. We do see an excess and a deficiency along with an area that is tasteful or correct in the middle. Those who carry humor too far are considered vulgar. They will stoop to any level to make an attempt at being funny; even if it offends everyone. There are also boorish people who don’t get or try to participate in anything. Those who are have good taste are in the middle and we call them quick witted; this means they are fast with a joke in the same way someone might have fast bodily reflexes. It isn't hard to see the ridiculous side of things and most people tend toward making fun of things and people more than they should. That’s why vulgarity can be popular. Vulgar comedians are considered funny. But there is a difference between this and someone who is funny because of wit.

We know we should be tactful. This kind of person will pick up on what is acceptable to those he hangs out with. A well-brought up man will have limits to what he will ridicule while a vulgar man could care less. Certain things are funny to an educated person that wouldn't be to someone who isn't educated. To some, vulgar language is funny while others like dry humor. Even innuendos have their limit of propriety depending on the crowd. So how do we call someone a good comedian? Is it his tactfulness, ability to insult or only how much he makes everyone laugh? We have to define it by the latter but then it gives humor a vague meaning, depending on the crowd. At any rate a person does well to know the humor of those he hangs around with and also know what is acceptable so as not to insult his friends. Then there is the problem of political correctness that goes along with politics; same problem in Athens too. A professional will pay attention to not abuse others or the law. Usually someone who has been brought up right has an easier time with this.

So we have the jerk at one end who is a slave to his own style of humor. He doesn't care about hurting anyone as long as someone laughs. He doesn't even care about his own character. A well refined person has the best state that is tactful or quick witted. The boor is pretty much useless for social interactions. He is too busy finding fault. We do agree however that humor and fun are necessities for a good life.

Concluding our look at popularity and social interaction, we see three areas: Demeanor, Honesty and Humor. All three belong to the middle area between extremes. Of these, two have to do with how much pleasure one brings to the group and the other how much truth.  

We all have to deal with guilt and shame at times. Virtue isn't found in these since they are feelings. That will be our next subject.