I think up until the point when we started in the business, which was in the early '70s, most of the humor was political. The smart humor was political satire.

David Zucker’s quote, "I think up until the point when we started in the business, which was in the early '70s, most of the humor was political. The smart humor was political satire," reflects his perspective on the evolution of humor in entertainment. Zucker, known for his work in comedy films, suggests that prior to the 1970s, political satire dominated the landscape of "smart" humor. This type of humor often focused on critiquing political figures and societal issues, using satire as a tool to address the political climate and expose the flaws within governmental systems.

The origin of this quote is rooted in Zucker’s experiences as a comedian and filmmaker during the early 1970s, a period when political satire was gaining significant traction. Zucker, along with his colleagues, helped usher in a new wave of comedy, moving away from traditional forms of humor and leaning into more satirical, irreverent takes on politics and society. At this time, comedians like Lenny Bruce and shows like Saturday Night Live began blending comedy with political commentary, shaping the humor of an entire generation.

Zucker’s statement also emphasizes the connection between humor and politics during that era. By referring to political satire as "smart humor," he highlights how humor can serve as a tool for social commentary, addressing the intellectual aspects of society through humor. In this context, humor wasn't just about making people laugh—it was about making them think critically about the world around them, particularly in relation to politics.

In essence, Zucker’s quote underscores the transformative role of political satire in shaping comedy during the 1970s. It highlights how humor evolved from being merely entertaining to becoming a means of critique and reflection on political and social issues, influencing the way people viewed the world and the powers that governed them.