Section 1.1: The Realm of Politics

The more serious the topic, the greater the scope for humor, particularly in government and politics.

Given the current state of political affairs, how can one not find it amusing? Who thought it wise to elect so many incompetents? Oh, right — that’s us!

Is there a more accurate description of politics than:

“Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it everywhere, diagnosing it incorrectly, and applying the wrong remedies.” — Groucho Marx (1890–1977)

The humor in Groucho’s words lies in their truthfulness. Politics often affects our lives negatively, and laughter might be the only remedy to keep us sane!

A well-known writer from over a century ago stated:

“Reader, suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of Congress. But I repeat myself.” — Mark Twain (1835–1910)

Another insightful figure from the last century remarked:

“Everything is changing. People are taking their comedians seriously and the politicians as a joke.” — Will Rogers (1879–1935)

And lastly, has any president ever spoken more truthfully?

“Politics is supposed to be the second-oldest profession. I have come to realize that it bears a very close resemblance to the first.” — Ronald Reagan (1911–1981)

Section 1.2: The World of Writing

Shifting from the serious realm of politics, let’s delve into a field filled with aspiring writers — writing itself.

Today, it’s easier than ever to write and get published. Estimates suggest nearly a million books and over 600 million blogs are published annually! That's a staggering number of writers! Surely, there’s humor to be found in this creative surge.

Many writers resonate with the Amis method:

“If you can’t annoy somebody, there’s little point in writing.” — Kingsley Amis (1922–1995)

Most writers share similar sentiments regarding critics. As Christopher Hampton put it:

“Asking a working writer what he thinks about critics is like asking a lamppost how it feels about dogs.” — Christopher Hampton (1946-present)

Have you ever worried about overusing contractions in your writing?

“Did you hear about the pregnant woman who went into labor and started shouting, ‘Couldn’t! Wouldn’t! Shouldn’t! Didn’t! Can’t!’? She was having contractions.” — Unknown

What about those drafts?

“I am a writer. If I seem cold, it’s because I am surrounded by drafts.” — Unknown

And who hasn't felt:

“I’m writing a book. I’ve got the page numbers done.” — Steven Wright (1955-present)

One universal truth for writers is:

“The art of writing is the art of applying the seat of the pants to the seat of the chair.” — Mary Heaton Vorse (1874–1966)

For those grappling with deadlines:

“I love deadlines. I love the whooshing noise they make as they go by.” — Douglas Adams (1952–2001)

Finally, for the many freelancers out there:

“The dubious privilege of a freelance writer is he’s given the freedom to starve anywhere.” — S. J. Perelman (1904–1979)

Section 1.3: Grammar and Humor

Aren’t you relieved that the outdated rule against ending sentences with prepositions is now a thing of the past? Surely, this gentleman helped change that:

“From now on, ending a sentence with a preposition is something up with which I will not put.” — Winston Churchill (1874–1965)

Many words in English are overused or unnecessary, especially do-nothing adverbs. Some of the worst offenders include words like actually, basically, and very.

“The road to hell is paved with adverbs.” — Stephen King (1947-present)

As a common adverb, “very” could often be replaced with something more impactful:

“Substitute ‘damn’ every time you’re inclined to write ‘very,’ your editor will delete it and the writing will be just as it should be.” — Mark Twain (1835–1910)

It's equally frustrating when people misuse your for you’re or there for their. It often creates a dilemma between correcting grammar and maintaining friendships.

Here are a few quick humor tidbits:

• Double negatives are a big no-no.
• The passive voice should be avoided.
• What dinosaur knows the most words? The thesaurus!
• How do you comfort a grammar snob? “There, their, they’re.”

Section 1.4: Truth and Humor

“Humor is the whole truth.” — Frigyes Karinthy (1887–1938)

Sometimes, nothing is funnier than the truth. As Dick Cark noted, “Humor is always based on a modicum of truth.” A famous Irish poet once said:

“The pure and simple truth is rarely pure and never simple.” — Oscar Wilde (1854–1900)

Consider fashion, which changes so rapidly that it’s hard to keep up. Oscar Wilde remarked:

“Fashion is a form of ugliness so intolerable that we have to alter it every six months.” — Oscar Wilde (1854–1900)

A favorite comedian and social commentator shared:

“Here’s all you have to know about men and women: women are crazy, men are stupid. And the main reason women are crazy is that men are stupid.” — George Carlin (1937–2008)

Need more proof?

“I have always noticed that people will never laugh at anything that is not based on truth.” — Will Rogers (1879–1935)