Why is falling so funny

The results showed a clear pattern — proximity and seriousness matter. Finally, his fall was benign. Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton. Classic silent comedy was largely built on pratfalls. Sounds like your husband is a natural. Great point Roderic. Like jumping into the ice pool, or that video that you shared.

Maybe we also laugh because we feel a little bit superior to those jackasses. As the great British writer G. Chesterton pointed out, it is human dignity that sets the stage for human humour:. Why is it funny that a man should sit down suddenly in the street? Create your free account or Sign in to continue. See Subscription Options. Go Paperless with Digital. Keith, Houston William F. Note: This story was originally published with the title, "Ask the Brains". Get smart. Sign up for our email newsletter.

Sign Up. Support science journalism. Knowledge awaits. The article uses to examples to illustrate the difference between a serious and nonserious fall. The distress of someone falling out a high window and dying would make the situation serious and not at all humorous. On the other hand, someone walking down the street, tripping and falling while falling around might seem pretty funny.

This is because they probably were perfectly fine after the fall, just embarrassed. Another key factor is incongruity. Tripping or falling is unexpected in life. The article explains that "despite our innate empathetic reaction We might laugh because it is a surprise when someone suddenly falls over.

Henri Bergson, a philosopher, theorized that society trains people to laugh at "careless or eccentric" behavior to establish the rules of the society. UNTIL, we are the ones taking the fall. Videos News India. Latest Stories. Mutual Funds. Worth X. Science And Future.

Human Interest. Social Relevance. Healthy Living. Don't think so? Check this video below. Play frame.