150 Quotes About Comedy and Life to Keep You Laughing

Last Tuesday, I found myself staring at a pile of bills and a broken dishwasher, feeling like the universe was playing a particularly cruel prank on me. I was about to spiral into a bad mood when I remembered something my grandfather used to say: “If you can’t find the punchline, you haven’t looked hard enough.” I looked at the suds leaking across the floor, realized I looked like a character in a bad sitcom, and started laughing. The stress didn’t vanish, but it certainly lost its grip on me.

That’s the magic of looking at life through the lens of comedy. It’s not about ignoring reality; it’s about refusing to let reality have the last word. I’ve found that the funniest people aren’t the ones who have the easiest lives—they’re the ones who have learned how to use humor as a survival tool. Whether it’s a dry observation from a 19th-century wit or a biting one-liner from a modern stand-up, these words remind us that we’re all in this ridiculous play together.

I’ve put together this collection of 150 quotes about comedy and life because I truly believe we need humor now more than ever. These insights have helped me navigate everything from career setbacks to the simple absurdity of being an adult in the 21st century. I hope they provide you with that same “espresso shot” of joy and perspective that they’ve given me. Here is the wisdom of the world’s greatest jokers and thinkers on the art of living funny.

Comedy as a Life Philosophy and Mindset

Approaching life as a comedy isn’t just about telling jokes; it’s a fundamental shift in how you process the world. I’ve learned that when I stop treating every inconvenience like a tragedy, I suddenly have a lot more energy for the things that actually matter. Humor allows us to step back and see the “big picture” of our own absurdity. It’s a way of saying “I see you, chaos, and I raise you a chuckle.”

“Life is a tragedy when seen in close-up, but a comedy in long-shot.”

— Charlie Chaplin

This is my absolute favorite reminder to zoom out when things feel overwhelming. From a distance, even our biggest mistakes look a bit silly.

“The human race has one really effective weapon, and that is laughter.”

— Mark Twain

Twain knew that laughter is the ultimate equalizer and the best way to handle the nonsense of the world.

“Comedy is simply a funny way of being serious.”

— Peter Ustinov

I find that the deepest truths are often delivered with a punchline because they’re easier to swallow that way.

“A sense of humor is part of the art of leadership, of getting along with people, of getting things done.”

— Dwight D. Eisenhower

Even a Supreme Allied Commander understood that you can’t lead effectively if you can’t share a laugh.

“Humor is reason gone mad.”

— Groucho Marx

Sometimes the world stops making sense, and at that point, the only logical response is a bit of madness.

“To truly laugh, you must be able to take your pain, and play with it.”

— Charlie Chaplin

This is the core of resilience—taking the hard parts of life and turning them into something we can handle.

“Laughter is an instant vacation.”

— Milton Berle

I use this “vacation” several times a day, especially during long meetings that could have been emails.

“He who laughs, lasts.”

— Mary Pettibone Poole

A simple rhyme with a profound truth: humor is the key to longevity and mental health.

“Humor is a rubber sword—it allows you to make a point without drawing blood.”

— Mary Hirsch

It’s the best tool for communication because it keeps people’s defenses down.

“Comedy is tragedy plus time.”

— Carol Burnett

I always tell myself this during a crisis: “Someday, this is going to be a hilarious story I tell at dinner.”

“The most wasted of all days is one without laughter.”

— E.E. Cummings

I try to make sure every day has at least one moment of genuine, belly-aching laughter.

“Humor is the great thing, the saving thing. The minute it goes, all is up.”

— Mark Twain

Without our ability to see the funny side, the weight of the world becomes far too heavy to carry.

“Comedy is defiance. It’s the ability to stare something awful in the face and laugh.”

— Stephen Colbert

Colbert’s insight into how we use satire to handle power and fear is incredibly empowering.

“A day without laughter is a day wasted.”

— Charlie Chaplin

If Chaplin, who lived through some of the most difficult times in history, believed this, we should too.

“Humor is a prelude to faith and laughter is the beginning of prayer.”

— Reinhold Niebuhr

A beautiful reminder that there is something almost sacred about the joy we find in humor.

“If you can find humor in anything, even poverty, you can survive it.”

— Bill Cosby

“The world is a tragedy to those who feel, but a comedy to those who think.”

— Horace Walpole

“Humor is the shock absorber of life; it helps you get over the bumps.”

— Unknown

“Comedy is a way of saying, ‘I’m still here, and I’m still laughing.’”

— Unknown

“Imagination was given to man to compensate him for what he is not; a sense of humor to console him for what he is.”

— Francis Bacon

“Life would be tragic if it weren’t funny.”

— Stephen Hawking

Classic Wits on the Human Comedy and Literary Humor

The great writers of the past were often the sharpest observers of the human condition. I’ve always found that reading the wits of the 18th and 19th centuries makes me feel better about modern life—because it turns out humans have been making the same ridiculous mistakes for centuries. For more sharp-tongued wisdom, I highly recommend checking out our collection of witty quotes about life which features many of these same legendary thinkers. You can also explore the history of comedy at Encyclopedia Britannica for a deeper look at these literary roots.

“We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.”

— Oscar Wilde

Wilde’s ability to find beauty and humor in the “gutter” of life is why his work remains timeless.

“Everything is funny, as long as it’s happening to somebody else.”

— Will Rogers

A slightly cynical but very accurate observation about why we find physical comedy so entertaining.

“Man is the only animal that blushes. Or needs to.”

— Mark Twain

Our capacity for embarrassment is, ironically, one of the funniest things about being human.

“Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.”

— Abraham Lincoln

A classic piece of wit that serves as a great reminder for us all to listen more than we talk.

“The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits.”

— Albert Einstein

Einstein’s humor was often just as brilliant as his physics, and this quote is the perfect example.

“I am so clever that sometimes I don’t understand a single word of what I am saying.”

— Oscar Wilde

Wilde’s self-deprecating arrogance is a masterclass in how to be funny and smart at the same time.

“The only way to keep your health is to eat what you don’t want, drink what you don’t like, and do what you’d rather not.”

— Mark Twain

Twain’s take on health fads feels like it was written for the modern era of “superfoods” and “bio-hacking.”

“I refuse to join any club that would have me as a member.”

— Groucho Marx

The ultimate statement on self-worth and social standing, delivered with perfect comic timing.

“Always forgive your enemies; nothing annoys them so much.”

— Oscar Wilde

A witty way to approach conflict that keeps your own spirit light while bothering your detractors.

“The only thing that interferes with my learning is my education.”

— Albert Einstein

A sharp jab at the rigidity of systems that I think every student can relate to.

“I’ve had a perfectly wonderful evening, but this wasn’t it.”

— Groucho Marx

One of the most elegant and hilarious ways to tell someone you had a terrible time.

“I drink to make other people more interesting.”

— George Jean Nathan

A witty observation on the social lubricants we sometimes use to get through awkward gatherings.

“Work is the curse of the drinking classes.”

— Oscar Wilde

Wilde’s play on the famous socialist slogan is a brilliant bit of wordplay.

“Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.”

— Miles Kington

A perfect illustration of the difference between intelligence and common sense.

“The road to success is dotted with many tempting parking spaces.”

— Will Rogers

I’ve pulled into a few of those “parking spaces” myself, and Rogers is right—they’re hard to leave.

“I’m not young enough to know everything.”

— Oscar Wilde

“The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity.”

— Dorothy Parker

“I like long walks, especially when they are taken by people who annoy me.”

— Fred Allen

“Behind every great man is a woman rolling her eyes.”

— Jim Carrey

“Age is something that doesn’t matter, unless you are a cheese.”

— Luis Buñuel

“Everything is changing. People are taking their comedians seriously and their politicians as a joke.”

— Will Rogers

Modern Stand-up Insights and Comedian Quotes for Daily Living

Stand-up comedians are essentially the philosophers of our age. They spend their lives looking for the “glitch in the matrix”—those little moments of daily life that don’t make sense. I’ve found that listening to a good comedy special is often more therapeutic than a self-help book. If you’re looking for more general laughs to brighten your day, our funny quotes to make you laugh collection has plenty of modern gems. For the latest in the comedy world, check out The Guardian’s comedy section.

“I think the best way to get over a problem is to laugh at it.”

— Jerry Seinfeld

Seinfeld’s observational style teaches us that even the smallest annoyance can be turned into a routine.

“Comedy is a shield; it’s a way of protecting yourself from the harsh realities of the world.”

— Sarah Silverman

A reminder that humor isn’t just for entertainment—it’s a vital psychological defense mechanism.

“The goal of stand-up is to make people laugh, but also to make them think about something they hadn’t thought about before.”

— Ricky Gervais

Great comedy should shift your perspective, even if just for a moment.

“Comedy is about finding the truth in the pain.”

— Louis C.K.

While controversial, his insight into the “truth in the pain” is a core tenet of modern comedy.

“A comedian’s job is to make you laugh, but a great comedian’s job is to make you think.”

— George Carlin

Carlin was the master of using humor to dissect language, politics, and the absurdity of modern life.

“My act is an exaggeration of what I feel. But I do feel it.”

— Joan Rivers

Rivers showed that you could be sharp and biting while still being deeply authentic.

“Comedy is a way of making people feel less alone.”

— Hannah Gadsby

When we laugh together at a shared struggle, we realize we’re not the only ones dealing with it.

“I believe that if you can make people laugh, you can make them do anything.”

— Bill Hicks

Hicks understood the power of humor to break down barriers and open minds to new ideas.

“Comedy is a way of dealing with the darkness.”

— Dave Chappelle

Chappelle uses humor to navigate complex social and racial issues that are often too difficult to discuss directly.

“I’m not trying to be offensive; I’m just trying to be funny.”

— Anthony Jeselnik

A look at the boundary-pushing nature of modern dark comedy.

“Comedy is a reflection of society.”

— Lenny Bruce

Bruce paved the way for modern stand-up by insisting that anything could be talked about if it was funny.

“The most important thing in comedy is to be yourself.”

— Ellen DeGeneres

A reminder that the most successful humor comes from a place of personal truth.

“Comedy is about breaking down barriers.”

— Trevor Noah

Noah’s global perspective shows how humor can bridge the gap between different cultures.

“I think laughter is the best medicine, unless you have diarrhea.”

— Unknown

A classic bit of crude but effective comedian logic that always gets a laugh.

“Comedy is a conversation.”

— Marc Maron

Maron’s approach to humor is intimate and vulnerable, making the listener feel like part of the process.

“I’m not a fan of reality, but it’s where I keep my stuff.”

— Bill Hicks

“The brain is a wonderful organ; it starts working the moment you get up in the morning and does not stop until you get into the office.”

— Robert Frost

“I finally realized that people are prisoners of their phones; that’s why it’s called a ‘cell’ phone.”

— Unknown

“Success is just a matter of luck. Ask any failure.”

— Earl Wilson

“If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans.”

— Woody Allen

“Confidence is what you have before you understand the problem.”

— Woody Allen

Humor as a Resilience Tool and Shield in Difficult Times

We’ve all heard that “laughter is the best medicine,” and while it won’t fix a broken bone, it definitely helps with a broken spirit. I remember being in the hospital a few years ago, feeling terrified about a procedure. My nurse walked in, made a perfectly timed joke about the hospital food, and for ten seconds, I forgot to be scared. That’s the power of humor in the face of adversity. For those particularly tough days, you might also find comfort in our inspirational quotes for difficult days alongside these funny ones.

“When you can laugh at yourself, you are free.”

— Unknown

This is the ultimate form of emotional freedom—refusing to let your own mistakes hold power over you.

“A good laugh overcomes more difficulties and dissipates more dark clouds than any other thing.”

— Madeleine L’Engle

Humor is like a gust of wind that clears the mental fog of a bad week.

“Sometimes you have to laugh to keep from crying.”

— Unknown

An old saying that perfectly captures the “last line of defense” role that humor often plays.

“Humor is an affirmation of dignity, a declaration of man’s superiority to all that befalls him.”

— Romain Gary

By laughing at our troubles, we prove that we are bigger than the things that are trying to bring us down.

“Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face.”

— Victor Hugo

A beautiful, poetic way to describe the physical transformation that happens when we find something funny.

“Laughter is poison to fear.”

— George R.R. Martin

The creator of Game of Thrones knows a thing or two about dark times, and his insight here is profound.

“Humor is a way of surviving.”

— Unknown

In the most difficult circumstances, sometimes the only thing we have left is our ability to make a joke.

“The ability to laugh at yourself is a sign of maturity.”

— Unknown

It shows that you have enough perspective to realize that you’re just as flawed and funny as everyone else.

“Laughter is the shortest distance between two people.”

— Victor Borge

When we laugh with someone, we are connecting in a way that bypasses logic and goes straight to the heart.

“Humor is a way of making the unbearable bearable.”

— Unknown

It’s the “sugar that helps the medicine go down” for life’s most bitter pills.

“If you don’t learn to laugh at trouble, you won’t have anything to laugh at when you’re old.”

— Unknown

A reminder to build your “humor muscles” now so they’re strong when you really need them.

“Laughter is the sound of the soul dancing.”

— Unknown

I love the idea that joy is the soul’s natural state, even when things are difficult.

“A day without laughter is a day wasted.”

— Charlie Chaplin

“Humor is the shock absorber of life; it helps you get over the bumps.”

— Unknown

“Comedy is a way of saying, ‘I’m still here, and I’m still fighting.’”

— Unknown

“Laughter is a powerful weapon against stress.”

— Unknown

“Life is full of misery, loneliness, and suffering—and it’s all over much too soon.”

— Woody Allen

“I am thankful for laughter, except when milk comes out of my nose.”

— Woody Allen

“My one regret in life is that I am not someone else.”

— Woody Allen

“I’m not afraid of death; I just don’t want to be there when it happens.”

— Woody Allen

“If you’re going through hell, keep going.”

— Winston Churchill (often used humorously)

The Delicious Irony of Growing Up and Aging Humor

There is nothing quite as funny as the process of “adulting.” I remember thinking as a kid that adults had it all figured out. Now that I am one, I realize we’re all just “faking it till we make it,” usually while tired and wondering why our backs hurt. The irony of our childhood expectations versus our adult reality is a goldmine for humor. If you’re looking for a sharper edge to these observations, our sarcastic quotes with a clever twist are perfect for the jaded adult. For a psychological look at why we use humor to handle aging, check out Psychology Today’s “Humor Sapiens” blog.

“I’m at that age where my back goes out more than I do.”

— Unknown

The official motto for anyone over the age of thirty who has ever pulled a muscle while sleeping.

“Adulting is like looking both ways before crossing the street and getting hit by an airplane.”

— Unknown

A perfect description of the unexpected “big” problems that come with being a grown-up.

“My bed is a magical place where I suddenly remember everything I forgot to do.”

— Unknown

Why does the brain only decide to be productive at 2:00 AM? It’s one of life’s great ironies.

“I finally realized that people are prisoners of their phones; that’s why it’s called a ‘cell’ phone.”

— Unknown

A clever bit of wordplay that captures the irony of our “connected” modern world.

“I’m not old, I’m just chronologically gifted.”

— Unknown

A much more positive (and funny) way to frame the passage of time.

“The first forty years of life give us the text; the next thirty supply the commentary.”

— Arthur Schopenhauer

The “commentary” usually involves a lot more groaning when we stand up.

“Middle age is when your age starts to show around your middle.”

— Bob Hope

Bob Hope was the king of the “dad joke,” and this one is a classic for a reason.

“Old age is always fifteen years older than I am.”

— Bernard Baruch

The perfect way to describe our internal refusal to accept that we’re getting older.

“I don’t exercise. If God had wanted me to bend over, he would have put diamonds on the floor.”

— Joan Rivers

Rivers’ unapologetic take on the “pressures” of staying fit is something I think about every time I walk past a gym.

“I hate housework. You make the beds, you do the dishes and six months later you have to start all over again.”

— Joan Rivers

The sheer futility of chores is one of the most relatable ironies of adulthood.

“My daughter and I are very close. We speak every day. She calls me to ask for money, and I call her to ask why she hasn’t paid me back.”

— Joan Rivers

A funny but sweet look at the ironies of the parent-child relationship as we age.

“I’ve had so much plastic surgery, when I die they will donate my body to Tupperware.”

— Joan Rivers

Rivers’ ability to mock her own vanity was one of her greatest comedic strengths.

“The only time a woman really succeeds in changing a man is when he is a baby.”

— Natalie Wood

A witty observation on the ironies of romantic relationships.

“Experience is simply the name we give our mistakes.”

— Oscar Wilde

A reminder that the “wisdom” of age is usually just a collection of things we’ve learned not to do again.

“I’m not messy, I’m ‘organizationally challenged’.”

— Unknown

“I don’t follow footsteps, I make my own. Then I get lost.”

— Unknown

“I’m not sure how many problems I have because math is one of them.”

— Unknown

“Maybe you should eat some makeup so you can be pretty on the inside too.”

— Unknown

“Dear sleep, I’m sorry I hated you when I was a kid. I love you now.”

— Unknown

“I wish everything was as easy as getting fat.”

— Unknown

“I don’t have a bad handwriting, I have my own font.”

— Unknown

“I need a six-month vacation, twice a year.”

— Unknown

Funny Observations on the Absurdity of Work and Careers

We spend a huge portion of our lives at work, so if we can’t laugh at the office, we’re in trouble. From “reply all” disasters to the mystery of the missing stapler, the workplace is a theatre of the absurd. I once spent an entire hour in a meeting about “efficiency,” which was perhaps the most inefficient thing I’ve ever done. If you’re reading this while pretending to work, our funny work quotes collection is basically your new employee handbook.

“I always arrive late at the office, but I make up for it by leaving early.”

— Charles Lamb

The ultimate dream for anyone who has ever stared at a clock at 3:00 PM.

“The brain is a wonderful organ; it starts working the moment you get up in the morning and does not stop until you get into the office.”

— Robert Frost

Frost’s jab at the “office brain” is something I feel deep in my soul every Monday morning.

“Work is a necessity for man. Man invented the alarm clock.”

— Pablo Picasso

Even one of the world’s greatest artists understood the struggle of the 9-to-5.

“Hard work never killed anybody, but why take a chance?”

— Charlie McCarthy

A great line for when you’re feeling particularly unmotivated.

“If you think your boss is stupid, remember: you wouldn’t have a job if he was any smarter.”

— John Gotti

A bit of a dark workplace insight, but one that always makes me chuckle.

“I like work; it fascinates me. I can sit and look at it for hours.”

— Jerome K. Jerome

This is my official stance on any task involving a spreadsheet.

“My keyboard must be broken because I keep hitting ‘escape’ and I’m still at work.”

— Unknown

The most relatable “tech support” issue in history.

“A committee is a cul-de-sac to which ideas are lured and then quietly strangled.”

— Sir Barnett Cocks

If you’ve ever been in a meeting that lasted two hours and decided nothing, this is for you.

“Doing nothing is very hard to do… you never know when you’re finished.”

— Leslie Nielsen

Nielsen’s deadpan delivery makes this one-liner a workplace classic.

“To err is human, but to really foul things up you need a computer.”

— Paul Ehrlich

A reminder that technology is great until it decides to “update” in the middle of a presentation.

“Nothing is so embarrassing as watching someone do something that you said couldn’t be done.”

— Sam Ewing

The “office rival” experience captured in one short sentence.

“I put the ‘pro’ in procrastinate.”

— Unknown

A title I have earned many times over throughout my career.

“The only thing that saves us from bureaucracy is its inefficiency.”

— Eugene McCarthy

A comforting thought for when you’re filling out your tenth form of the day.

“I haven’t spoken to my boss in years. I didn’t want to interrupt him.”

— Adapted from Rodney Dangerfield

“A bank is a place that will lend you money if you can prove that you don’t need it.”

— Bob Hope

“I am so clever that sometimes I don’t understand a single word of what I am saying.”

— Oscar Wilde

“The road to success is always under construction.”

— Lily Tomlin

“My house was clean last week. Sorry you missed it.”

— Unknown

“I’m not lazy, I’m on energy saving mode.”

— Unknown

“I’m not sure how many problems I have because math is one of them.”

— Unknown

“I’m having one of those days where my middle finger is answering all my questions.”

— Unknown

Witty Insights on Love, Relationships, and Marriage Humor

Relationships are the ultimate test of our sense of humor. I’ve found that the strongest couples aren’t the ones who never fight—they’re the ones who can laugh in the middle of an argument about how to load the dishwasher. Love is beautiful, but it’s also frequently hilarious. For more heartfelt (but still funny) takes on romance, our love quotes for couples collection is a great place to start.

“Behind every great man is a woman rolling her eyes.”

— Jim Carrey

Carrey’s observation on the “reality check” that partners provide is spot on.

“I haven’t spoken to my wife in years. I didn’t want to interrupt her.”

— Rodney Dangerfield

Dangerfield’s self-deprecating “I don’t get no respect” brand of humor is legendary for a reason.

“Marriage is a wonderful institution, but who wants to live in an institution?”

— Groucho Marx

A classic bit of wordplay that pokes fun at the “confining” nature of commitment.

“My psychiatrist told me I was crazy and I said I want a second opinion. He said okay, you’re ugly too.”

— Rodney Dangerfield

The ultimate “bad day” quote about self-image and relationships.

“The only time a woman really succeeds in changing a man is when he is a baby.”

— Natalie Wood

A witty reminder that we should probably just accept our partners for who they are.

“I love being married. It’s so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life.”

— Rita Rudner

One of the most honest and funny definitions of long-term love I’ve ever heard.

“Bigamy is having one wife too many. Monogamy is the same.”

— Oscar Wilde

Wilde’s cynical take on marriage is guaranteed to get a laugh (and maybe a few glares).

“Before you marry a person, you should first make them use a computer with slow Internet to see who they really are.”

— Will Ferrell

The most practical relationship advice of the 21st century.

“Marriage is like a deck of cards. In the beginning, all you need is two hearts and a diamond. By the end, you’re looking for a club and a spade.”

— Unknown

A clever bit of wordplay that tracks the “evolution” of some relationships.

“I told my wife she was drawing her eyebrows too high. She looked surprised.”

— Unknown

A perfect example of the “dad joke” style of relationship humor.

“My wife and I were happy for twenty years. Then we met.”

— Rodney Dangerfield

Dangerfield again, proving that nobody does “unhappy husband” humor better.

“The secret of a happy marriage remains a secret.”

— Henny Youngman

A witty way to say that nobody really has all the answers when it comes to love.

“I was married by a judge. I should have asked for a jury.”

— Groucho Marx

A sharp observation on the “legal” side of romance.

“I love mankind; it’s people I can’t stand.”

— Charles M. Schulz

“Everything is funny, as long as it’s happening to somebody else.”

— Will Rogers

“Behind every great man is a woman rolling her eyes.”

— Jim Carrey

“I’ve had a perfectly wonderful evening, but this wasn’t it.”

— Groucho Marx

“Age is something that doesn’t matter, unless you are a cheese.”

— Luis Buñuel

“Everything is changing. People are taking their comedians seriously and their politicians as a joke.”

— Will Rogers

“My psychiatrist told me I was crazy and I said I want a second opinion. He said okay, you’re ugly too.”

— Rodney Dangerfield

“If you’re going through hell, keep going.”

— Winston Churchill (often used humorously)

“A good laugh is sunshine in the house.”

— William Thackeray

“Laughter is the brush that sweeps away the cobwebs of the heart.”

— Mort Walker

Final Thoughts on the Power of Laughter in Daily Life

We’ve covered a lot of ground today, from the sharp wit of Oscar Wilde to the relatable “adulting” struggles of modern life. If there’s one thing I hope you take away from this collection of 150 quotes about comedy and life, it’s that laughter is a choice. We can’t always control what happens to us, but we can control how we frame it. I’ve found that my happiest days aren’t the ones where everything went perfectly—they’re the ones where I found something to laugh about even when things went wrong.

Humor is more than just a distraction; it’s a way of connecting with others and reminding ourselves that we’re strong enough to handle whatever comes our way. I hope these quotes have given you a few “espresso shots” of joy to carry with you throughout your week. Remember, the next time you find yourself staring at a “broken dishwasher” moment, try to find the punchline. It’s usually there if you look hard enough.

Thank you for spending some time laughing with me today. If you enjoyed these quotes, please share them with a friend who might need a quick smile!