James Thurber - Humor Quotes

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The nation that complacently and fearfully allows its artists and writers to become suspected rather than respected is no longer regarded as a nation possessed with humor or depth.

James Thurber

Humor and pathos, tears and laughter are, in the highest expression of human character and achievement, inseparable.

James Thurber

Humor does not include sarcasm, invalid irony, sardonicism, or any other form of cruelty. When these things are raised to a high point they can become wit.

James Thurber

Humor is emotional chaos remembered in tranquility.

James Thurber

The devoted writer of humor must continue to try to come as close to the truth as he can, even if he gets burned in the process. But I don't think he will get too badly burned. His faith in the good will, the soundness, and the sense of humor of his countrymen will always serve as his asbestos curtain.

James Thurber

With humor you have to look out for traps. You're likely to be very gleeful with what you've first put down, and you think it's fine, very funny. One reason you go over and over it is to make the piece sound less as if you were having a lot of fun with it yourself. You try to play it down.

James Thurber