Daily Update September 7, 2022
Continuing with our learning from The Art of Worldly Wisdom and some insights on the use of humor and ridicule.
The Daily Text
The Art of Worldly Wisdom by Baltasar Gracián
Aphorism 4
Knowledge and Courage are the elements of Greatness. They give immortality because they are immortal. Each is as much as he knows, and the wise can do anything. A man without knowledge, a world without light. Wisdom and strength, eyes and hands. Knowledge without courage is sterile.
Quotes
The quotes today relate to humor and ridicule. Many think that the fight against tyranny is always a serious thing but being able to ridicule is important. This is why dictators go after comedians early on in their reign.
In a healthy, civilized society, it seems to me, everyone and everything should be open to ridicule. Indeed, I would further contend that the degree of health and civilization in any given society bears a direct relation to the degree in which this principle operates. Taboos, where humor is concerned, are an admission of doubt, and derive from a sense of weakness and insecurity. The truly religious take no offense when attention is drawn to the absurdity necessarily inherent in the dogmas to which they subscribe and the ceremonies in which they participate. Protests invariably come from the conventionally religious, from the formalists for whom dogma and ceremonies constitute the whole content of faith. It is the same with politicians. Those who most object to being ridiculed have least confidence in the policies they advocate. It is the same with moralists. If they complain that some cherished principle is blasphemed by the humorous treatment of its application, then it is certain that in their hearts they doubt the principle's ultimate validity.
Malcolm Muggeridge
We must learn to treat the demagogue and aspirant dictator in our midst just as we should treat our external enemies in a cold war - with the weapon of ridicule. The demagogue himself is almost incapable of humour of any sort, and if we treat him with humour, he will begin to collapse. Humour is, after all, related to a sense of perspective.
A.M. Merloo, M.D.
Link
Here is an excellent article from Smart Blogger on using metaphors in your persuasive writing, which includes many examples.