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JV's avatar

My family is originally from Eastern Europe. We have always used humor to cope with everything from the absurd to the frightening. So this article is medicine for my Slavic-American soul.

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David W Escue's avatar

Dear Dr. Snyder. My favorite lecture that you have shared is your homage to paganism within the ancient age. Amazons, different societal architecture, Vikings, etc. - I listen to this lecture periodically to gain a "feel good" moment.

However, I think you may have topped yourself with this piece. I am in awe of your imagination and sense of humor. I always felt that "Gilligan" represented the pure idiocy of American entertainment, which is a high mantle, edging out "The Beverly Hillbillies, "Green Acres", and other shows too numerous to mention.

What I perceive from your message is, sometimes when events are at their most desperate, with future prospects looking most bleak, our only alternative is to turn to humor. Humor is derived from "humus", the bottom level of soil, which is in reality decay of plants, leaves, and other organic materials. Frankly, you can't get much lower than humus, which I fear many of us our feeling currently.

However, take heart. The world, and events, have a tendency to turn on a dime. The chaos and destruction win if we succumb. Be courageous, strong, and fearless. The struggle is the downpayment for lasting success.

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