Laughter as a method of bonding

Henri Bergson's general observations related to when laughter is most likely to appear and thrive:

• The comic is strictly human. When laughter is directed at non-humans, we may laugh, but only because we have detected some human attitude or expression.

Laughter, a positive, contagious and heartwarming expression can be scary sometimes. This phenomenon is due to our fears, which stem from a misalignment in what we see and what our expectations were.

If laughter sounds sinister, out of context or out of tune with what is happening (like a ...

• Humor, in a way, protects us from life's grim reality. We joke because if we didn't, we'd cry.
• Humor and laughing are also a social vocalization that includes some and excludes others. Jokes establish who is inside the group and who is not. We laugh with peopl...