It has always surprised me how little attention philosophers have paid to humor, since it is a more significant process of mind than reason. Reason can only sort out perceptions, but the humor process is involved in changing them.

Edward de Bono’s quote highlights the importance of humor as a cognitive process, arguing that it deserves more attention from philosophers and intellectuals. He points out that while reason plays a role in sorting out and categorizing perceptions, humor goes beyond that by actively changing perceptions. Humor, in de Bono’s view, is not merely a response to situations but a transformative process that alters how we understand and engage with the world around us, making it more significant than reason alone.

The origin of this idea stems from de Bono’s work as a cognitive psychologist and creative thinking expert. Known for developing techniques like lateral thinking, de Bono has long been interested in how the mind processes information and how creative solutions arise. His focus on humor in this context is rooted in his belief that it is an essential part of cognitive flexibility, capable of breaking through rigid patterns of thought and offering new ways of perceiving situations.

De Bono contrasts reason, which is often linear and methodical, with the more flexible and transformative nature of humor. Humor has the ability to challenge existing perceptions, shake up conventional thought, and create a space for creative insight. In this way, humor serves not just as entertainment but as a powerful mental tool that helps us view problems and ideas from fresh perspectives, something that pure reason alone cannot achieve.

Ultimately, Edward de Bono’s quote encourages a broader appreciation of humor as a cognitive process. It suggests that philosophers and intellectuals should give more thought to how humor shapes our thinking and influences our understanding of the world. Humor, according to de Bono, is not only an essential part of life but also a vital cognitive skill that has the power to change how we think and perceive, making it a more dynamic and significant process than reason alone.