In prehistoric times, mankind often had only two choices in crisis situations: fight or flee. In modern times, humor offers us a third alternative; fight, flee - or laugh.

Robert Orben’s quote reflects on how humanity's response to crisis situations has evolved over time. In prehistoric times, humans faced dangerous or threatening situations where the only options were to fight or flee. These primal responses were essential for survival, helping humans either defend themselves or escape from immediate danger. Orben contrasts this with modern times, suggesting that we now have a third response to crises: humor.

Orben's inclusion of humor as a coping mechanism represents a shift in how we handle stress and difficult situations. While fighting or fleeing may still be relevant in certain scenarios, laughter offers a way to manage fear, anxiety, or discomfort in less destructive or harmful ways. Humor allows people to distance themselves emotionally from stress, providing relief and perspective, and helping to defuse tension in tough circumstances.

By highlighting humor as a third option, Orben suggests that it can be just as effective as fight or flight, though in a different way. Rather than responding aggressively or running away, laughter can diffuse the emotional intensity of a situation, offering both emotional release and a sense of resilience. It serves as a reminder that we are not always at the mercy of our instincts but can choose a more creative and less harmful response to challenges.

In essence, Orben’s quote emphasizes the power of humor as a valuable tool for navigating the complexities of modern life. It shows how, while we still retain the fight or flee instincts from our evolutionary past, we now have an additional strategy to cope with difficulties—laughter, which can bring both relief and a new perspective to our challenges.