Book 4 / Chapter 8
Paragraph 1 - The Mean in Wit and Amusement
Explanation - Part By Part
"Since life includes rest as well as activity, and in this is included leisure and amusement, there seems here also to be a kind of intercourse which is tasteful; there is such a thing as saying- and again listening to- what one should and as one should."
Aristotle is acknowledging that, just as life involves both work and relaxation, leisure and amusement are also integral parts of human interaction. Within these moments of rest and play, there exists a type of communication or social exchange that can be considered tasteful—appropriate, balanced, and thoughtful. This involves not only saying the right things at the right time but also listening in the right way, showing that meaningful and respectful interaction applies even to moments of leisure.
"The kind of people one is speaking or listening to will also make a difference. Evidently here also there is both an excess and a deficiency as compared with the mean."
Aristotle is highlighting that the way we engage in conversation, particularly humor, depends on who we are interacting with. It's not just about what is said, but also about tailoring it appropriately to the context and the audience. He emphasizes the importance of balance — a "mean" or middle ground — when it comes to humor and conversation, avoiding extremes. Too much humor (excess) can make someone seem crude or inappropriate, while an absence of humor (deficiency) can make them seem dull or overly serious. The goal is to strike the right balance, fitting the situation and the people involved.
"Those who carry humour to excess are thought to be vulgar buffoons, striving after humour at all costs, and aiming rather at raising a laugh than at saying what is becoming and at avoiding pain to the object of their fun;"
Aristotle is pointing out the danger of overdoing humor. People who try too hard to be funny, regardless of the situation or the impact on others, come across as "vulgar buffoons." These individuals focus solely on getting laughs, even if it means crossing boundaries or being inappropriate. They prioritize entertainment over decency, often disregarding whether their jokes might hurt or offend someone. This excessive humor reveals a lack of tact or thoughtfulness in how they relate to others.
"while those who can neither make a joke themselves nor put up with those who do are thought to be boorish and unpolished."
This part talks about individuals who lack any sense of humor—they neither make jokes themselves nor tolerate others who jokingly engage with them. Aristotle describes these people as "boorish" and "unpolished," meaning they come across as overly serious, rigid, or unsociable. In essence, he is highlighting the importance of being able to engage with humor in a balanced way. Completely rejecting or avoiding humor not only makes interactions less enjoyable but also signals a lack of flexibility or refinement in one's character.
"But those who joke in a tasteful way are called ready-witted, which implies a sort of readiness to turn this way and that; for such sallies are thought to be movements of the character, and as bodies are discriminated by their movements, so too are characters."
Aristotle is making a connection between a person’s sense of humor and their overall character. He observes that people who joke in a "tasteful way" are considered ready-witted—meaning they have the ability to respond quickly and appropriately in social situations. This readiness is seen as a kind of flexibility or agility in their personality, similar to how a body’s movements can reveal its physical traits. Just as you can tell something about a person’s physical abilities by observing how they move, you can gain insight into their character by the way they engage in playful, witty interactions. Their humor reflects their manner of thinking and their ability to handle social dynamics with grace.
"The ridiculous side of things is not far to seek, however, and most people delight more than they should in amusement and in jesting."
Aristotle is pointing out that finding humor or the "ridiculous side" in things is easy—it's readily available in life. However, he observes that most people tend to overindulge in amusement and joking, valuing these things more than they ought to. This suggests that while humor and laughter have their place, they can become excessive or improperly prioritized, distracting people from more meaningful or balanced aspects of life.
"and so even buffoons are called ready-witted because they are found attractive; but that they differ from the ready-witted man, and to no small extent, is clear from what has been said."
Here, Aristotle wraps up his discussion on wit and humor by making a distinction between two types of people who are often seen as entertaining but differ significantly in character: the buffoons and the ready-witted. Buffoons are people who go to extremes to be funny—they'll say anything, regardless of whether it's appropriate, just to get a laugh. Because they're entertaining, people sometimes mistake them for being similarly quick and clever as truly witty individuals. However, Aristotle emphasizes that this isn't the case. True wit (ready-wittedness) isn't just about making people laugh—it involves saying things that are tasteful, thoughtful, and appropriate for the situation, while avoiding cruelty or harm. The humor of a ready-witted person reflects a balanced and refined character. Buffoons, by contrast, represent an uncontrolled and excessive approach to humor, which is far from the virtue of wit.
In short, while both types might make people laugh, true wit is rooted in moderation and good judgment, whereas buffoons prioritize laughter above all and lack the subtlety and grace that define genuine wit.