EM: I posted this article because I like the topic; personally, I think the "test" they used, based on what they mentioned of it, is a bunch of BS. There are no black and white answers. The article itself is lousy and dumbed down for "public consumption." SD: I think the premise of the study is valid (from abstract) " More generally since humor often involves seeing life or a person from a novel angle and self-deception tends to reduce such angles, self-deception will naturally tend to reduce ones sense of humor." My concern is the research design -- whereby self-deception is purportedly measured by a questionnaire.In contrast, if the study identified levels of deception via brain imaging or similar means, it could be quite insightful. That is, almost by definition people don't know when they are deceiving themselves. Tell tale clues might show up if previously identified and established "deception centers" in the brain lit up when a subject gave particular responses. Without that, we are left with i appears, some crude notion of an implicit norm about self-detection such as "its normal for everyone to at times enjoy being cruel" So if one answers "no" to "I could never enjoy being cruel.” one would presumably score higher on the self-detection scale. To me that ass-backwards. People who are cruel to others have a distinctly more limited perspective than a more considerate compassionate person that sees from multiple angles, from other people's perspectives, how actions may hurt another. And taking pleasure in another's pain further indicates some inner pain/distortions twistedness that would generally indicate a limited perspective. Which is counter to the premise of the study that a wider perspective, the ability to see things from multiple angles correlates with a broader, deeper sense of humor.
EM: Great humor like great art often comes out of pain and suffering. . SD: I can't speak for others or for great art or humor, but for me, creative times are generally amplified during times of balance and integration -- when a back drop of relaxed freedom and happiness exists and playfulness is more manifest. My point on the (not termed such in prior post) of the existential angst Woody Allen appeared to express in the posted video -- to me is different than pain and suffering. The angst has force/motivated him to find humor, if not some degree of joy and happiness, from the creative act and -- and appreciating what there is in life, even if fleeting and ever changing. EM: Well, I like narratives in that I like stories, but in personal terms, it can get so grandiose and egotistical at times - relaying the *narrative* of one's life as a way of being. Gets in the way of living it. The mind by itself - I think it is overrated, personally. Inspiration comes from the heart and spirit. They gotta all be connected or it does get insanely and obscenely dull and repetitive. The mind gets off on itself and thinks it knows things - important things, which makes it happy and then it releases happy chemicals - I suspect it may all be a large form of mental masturbation (forgive my term). SD: personal narratives and imposing judgements and values on everything one sees, for me does seem to get in the way -- and over time has loosened its hold. That is distinct from the intensity and degree of mental inquiry one pursues -- which I think is an individual thing -- some are more drawn in that direction -- and the process may be clarifying for them. However, for me as to when it becomes obsessive and marginally productive can be a issue and and can trip me up at times -- warranting some reflection as to when to move on.. EM: Am learning a new way. I do love to "play" - the definition of "play" and also the word "fun" have radically expanded in scope in the last couple of years. SD: For me, there is a useful distinction between "play"/ (leisure activities broadly defined) which have transitioned a bit towards the boring for me, distinct from "playfulness" which can underlie all parts of life.
