The World as Will and Representation – Arthur Schopenhauer

“The cause of laughter in every case is simply the sudden perception of the incongruity between a concept and the real objects which have been thought through it in some relation, and laughter itself is just the expression of this incongruity…all laughter then is occasioned by a paradox…this, briefly stated, is the true explanation of the ludicrous.” 

Arthur Schopenhauer – The World as Will and Representation.

I often respond with laughter to situations that do not seem fitting. Tragedies, betrayals, even to news of death. It is not a crazed manic laughter, but more so a scoff. 

High expectations meeting reality, finding incongruity. 

On the other hand, however, a joyous laughter should be found in low expectations met with great reality. 

I'm still hoping to find that joyous laughter in being in the presence of God, the glory that could not have been possibly expected in this life.