I think a lot of humor is about distracting yourself. Pretend you're not trying to make it funny. Because for some reason the effort to be funny smells like sulphur in our culture.

In this quote, Sloane Crosley reflects on the nature of humor and suggests that often the best humor comes from distracting yourself and not actively trying to be funny. She believes that pretending you're not making an effort to be humorous can lead to more natural and effective comedy. This perspective indicates that humor is often more about authenticity and spontaneity rather than forcing laughter or trying too hard.

Crosley also touches on the cultural perception that trying too hard to be funny can come across as inauthentic or desperate. She uses the metaphor of humor smelling like sulphur to illustrate how forced comedy can feel off-putting in our culture. This suggests that when people are overly self-conscious about being funny, it can have the opposite effect and make the humor feel strained or unappealing.

By emphasizing that humor works best when it's natural and effortless, Crosley challenges the common approach to comedy, where the goal is often to perform or make people laugh at all costs. Instead, she advocates for a more relaxed, almost accidental approach, where the humor arises organically from the situation or the way something is expressed, rather than from an overt attempt to entertain.

Ultimately, Crosley’s quote suggests that the most successful humor often comes when it’s not overthought or forced, but rather when it emerges naturally from a situation. It points to the power of effortless and genuine humor, which feels more authentic and resonates better with audiences. This approach encourages comedians and individuals to embrace spontaneity in their comedic expression.