What Is Wit and Why Does the World Need It?

Today's post looks at wit, not sarcasm. What's the difference? From Things You Wish You Knew Yesterday:

Sarcasm is defined as “harsh or bitter derision or irony”.  

Wit, however, is “the keen perception and cleverly apt expression of those connections between ideas that awaken amusement and pleasure”.

This post is based on a podcast from The Art of Manliness:

When you think about wit, what comes to mind? Someone who’s quick with a funny remark? 

My guest today says that while humor is one part of wit, it’s really better thought of in a broader way, as a kind of “improvisational intelligence.” His name is James Geary, and he’s the author of Wit’s End: What Wit Is, How It Works, and Why We Need It. Today on the show, we discuss all things witty. We begin our conversation describing the nature of wit, and how it’s linked to one’s all-around sense of resourcefulness. James then makes the case that instead of getting our contempt, puns should actually be praised as a sophisticated form of wit. We then dig into what fencing and jazz can teach us about the role of improvisation in wit, why we need wit more than ever these days, and what you can do to start being a bit more witty.

Show Highlights

• What is wit? What makes something witty?
• The relationship between wit and humor 
• The wit of Odysseus 
• Why puns are underrated  
• What fencing can teach us about wit 
• The wittiness of insults (and verbal “combat” in different cultures) 
• The neuroscience of wit 
• What’s the state of wit today?
• Cultivating a witty mindset

In the podcast, James Geary talks a lot about puns...the basis for most Dad jokes:

Did you hear about the restaurant on the moon? Great food, no atmosphere. (groan)

Take about 40 minutes to listen to this podcast...you'll be glad you did!

Interesting days

Today - International Town Criers Day, Scud Day, Chocolate with Almonds Day and Math 2.0 Day

Tomorrow - Cow Appreciation Day and Sugar Cookie Day

Next Monday - Gummi Worm Day, Get Out of the Doghouse Day, Tapioca Pudding Day, Pet Fire Safety Day and Orange Chicken Day

August 8 - International Cat Day, Happiness Happens Day, Bowling Day, Odie Day and Scottish Wildcat Day