Summary
Published in 1902, An Essay on Laughter by James Sully, a British psychologist and philosopher, is a pioneering study in the psychology of humor. The work examines laughter not merely as a physical reaction but as a complex social and psychological phenomenon.
Sully analyzes the different forms of laughter, from spontaneous giggles to satirical ridicule, and explores its causes, including incongruity, surprise, superiority, and relief.
He also traces the development of laughter in human beings—from childhood play to more refined adult humor—and considers its value as a social bond, a coping mechanism, and a form of intellectual expression.
Blending psychology, philosophy, and sociology, Sully’s essay remains a significant contribution to early humor studies and continues to influence research on the role of laughter in human life.