A fellow who has a funny bone can learn to hone his skills, but I don't think you can develop a funny bone - you either have it or you don't. And by the way - when you get it, we don't know it.

In this quote, Carl Reiner reflects on the nature of humor and the concept of having a "funny bone." He suggests that while someone with an innate sense of humor can hone their comedic skills over time, they cannot truly develop the ability to be funny if they do not have it naturally. This idea emphasizes that humor is an inherent quality—either a person has the ability to be funny, or they don’t. It highlights the natural talent involved in comedy, suggesting that it cannot be entirely taught or learned through practice alone.

Reiner's statement also alludes to the mystery behind humor. He points out that even when someone acquires a sense of humor or develops their comedic abilities, it is not immediately clear when they have "gotten it." The humor doesn't always reveal itself in obvious ways, and there is an element of uncertainty in recognizing when someone has fully mastered their comedic potential. This part of the quote underscores the elusive nature of humor and how difficult it can be to pinpoint when someone truly becomes funny.

The mention of the "funny bone" also symbolizes more than just comedic ability—it's tied to a deeper sense of timing, delivery, and intuition. Reiner suggests that being funny involves an innate quality that is hard to define, but once someone has it, they have the foundation for developing their comedic skills. It is an expression of the artistic and intuitive side of comedy that cannot always be articulated or consciously taught.

Ultimately, Reiner’s quote highlights the mystical nature of humor and the idea that while skills can be improved and perfected, the core of being funny is something that is either present or not. It speaks to the belief that humor is a special talent that is shaped by both nature and timing, and not something that can simply be cultivated through effort alone.