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Why are new insightful ideas, scientific inventions, plot twists, jump-scares, shocking news aren't funny?



Surprise is only one element. Humor is about the inherent conflict between our expectations and reality, the conflict is only intensified when we don't expect it.

There are a lot of jokes I see coming a mile away, but there's a grade of execution for comedians too. If the timing is tight, even the most expected joke can still earn a laugh.




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