The Deeper Meaning of Laughter: A Window Into the Soul's Truth

The material resemblance that exists throughout our world also explains one of humanity’s most unique traits: the ability to laugh. While joy can be seen in some animals, such as a dog wagging its tail and barking excitedly when its owner comes home, laughter, a deeper expression of joy, exists only in humans. We’ve never seen a cow or a sheep, a horse or a donkey, laugh at a sight or a sound. Nor do animals joke or laugh among themselves, as people do. This calls for an explanation.

In truth, it is not the absence of laughter in animals that needs explaining, but rather the presence of such an odd ability in humans. What is the meaning of a smile, of the curving of the lips? What is laughter? Why does the human being feel compelled to laugh when witnessing or hearing certain scenarios? Why does only man possess a sense of humor?

Classic psychology describes humor and laughter as a psychological defense mechanism- something the human being uses to cope with fear, anxiety, difficult thoughts or emotions. And indeed, man- crown of creation- who intellectually perceives the complex and often painful nature of life, has been given by his Creator this remarkable tool to release tension and find relief.

A deeper and truer look reveals much more. The human being is the only creature capable of uncovering the spiritual truth hidden beneath the surface of reality. Animals perceive only the external, material layer of the world. For this reason, only man can laugh. Laughter is the soul’s way of expressing that everything in this world is ultimately fleeting illusion- and that all worldly suffering is temporary and imagined. Thus, when a story or situation takes an unexpected twist- a sudden, surprising shift that completely reframes what we thought we understood, as is often the case in humor- it reminds the soul (even subconsciously) of the world's transience and unpredictability. It prompts the soul to laugh- not only at that moment, but at the absurdity of the world itself.

Laughter means, “I’ve glimpsed the truth- and that fills me with joy.” This inner joy expresses itself through the body. When a person smiles or laughs, the corners of the mouth naturally rise. In contrast, when someone is sad or downcast, their expression sinks downward. This is because the body is a reflection of the soul. When the soul is elevated, the body follows. Joy, like wind or spirit, rises upward, toward the spiritual realm, toward the Source of joy. So it is with smiling, laughter, and even dancing. Sadness, on the other hand, is like heavy matter, dragging downward, away from the spirit. There is no joy like discovering the truth, and no sadness like living a lie. Truth smiles. Truth laughs. Falsehood, at its core, is always heavy and distressed.

This idea is reflected in the profound words of Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto (the Ramchal) in Mesillat Yesharim: “Our Sages taught that man was created solely to take pleasure in G-d and to enjoy the radiance of His presence. This is the true joy- the greatest delight that can exist. The place prepared for this delight is the World to Come, but the path to reach it is through this world. As they said, ‘This world is like a hallway before the World to Come.’ The way to reach that goal is through mitzvot (commandments)…"

Whoever internalizes this truth quickly realizes there is no reason to feel despair over a material loss or a missed opportunity. How could eternal spiritual light be dimmed by a temporary illusion? Such a person comes to understand that all material ambitions- wealth, possessions and status- are ultimately fantasy. He begins to invest his time instead in acquiring spiritual wealth by refining his character, studying Torah, and performing mitzvot. He engages in material life only to the extent necessary for a reasonable existence, and he walks through life full of joy, uplifted by the discovery of a truth that much of the world ignores: that every passing moment can be used to acquire eternal treasures and grow closer to G-d.

As it says: “Let the hearts of those who seek G-d rejoice.”

A Simpler Perspective: Rethinking Wealth and Status

Even at a more basic level, someone who feels frustrated by his financial situation or envies the rich should ask himself: Do the wealthy eat gold? They eat and drink like I do. The differences between us are mostly external. Is it really worth investing years of life in accumulating fleeting possessions?

Does the rich man’s constant stress and responsibility pay off? Is there real value in owning more buildings, more land, more stocks, when the only "proof" is a few lines written on paper? What difference does it make if someone owns five buildings or five thousand? It’s all just ink, paperwork, and worry.

What of the billionaires of a century and a half ago, who amassed wealth and real estate and toiled their entire lives to increase their fortune? What did they take with them? What became of all the time and energy they spent on possessions that others now enjoy?

A person who thinks deeply about these truths will begin to peel away the illusions of materialism. He’ll start to see the deceptive nature of our world and make conscious choices to avoid getting swept up in its fantasies. He’ll find balance by doing what is needed to live responsibly in this world, while directing his heart and time toward eternal spiritual growth. Eventually, he’ll even detest the endless pursuit of wealth for its own sake and commit himself to building spiritual assets for the next world.

In doing so, he will laugh, not from denial, but from clarity. A laughter rooted in truth.