satori, it might interest you to know that humour is often...

satori, it might interest you to know that humour is often defined as a ego defense mechanism, by those who study such matters. From wikipedia.

"Humour: Overt expression of ideas and feelings...that gives pleasure to others. Humour enables someone to call a spade a spade, while "wit" is a form of displacement". (which is another form of ego defense).

Remember they are talking about humour, not laughing. Also that humour is considered a very mild ego defense mechanism, compared with other extereme possibilities.

Being serious isn't mentioned, but I don't find seriousness particularly attractive either. Maybe that's what introjection or sublimation is?! dunno. ooops, humour....I must be feeling threatened!