Humor is perhaps a sense of intellectual perspective: an awareness that some things are really important, others not; and that the two kinds are most oddly jumbled in everyday affairs.

The quote by Christopher Morley highlights the essence of humor as an intellectual perspective. It suggests that humor is more than just a form of entertainment or comedy; it’s a way of seeing the world and understanding what truly matters. Humor allows individuals to realize that some things are important, while others are insignificant. This ability to differentiate can create a more balanced approach to life, where the trivial is seen for what it is, and the serious receives its due attention.

Morley also points out that, in everyday life, the important and the insignificant are often jumbled together. The chaotic nature of daily interactions can cause people to place undue weight on trivial matters or ignore serious concerns altogether. Humor, in this sense, serves as a tool to untangle this confusion, providing clarity by showing how absurd certain situations are. It reflects a deeper understanding of how human beings can sometimes lose perspective on what is worth worrying about.

The origin of the quote stems from Morley’s deep engagement with the human condition, often written with a tone that mixes wit and wisdom. Known for his essays, novels, and contributions to magazines like The Saturday Evening Post, Morley often explored the balance between life's seriousness and light-heartedness. In this quote, he reveals that humor has a vital role in maintaining perspective, not just as a source of amusement but as a philosophical lens for navigating life's complexities.