It's always amazed me how little attention philosophers, psychologists, or anyone else actually has paid to humor.

In this quote, Edward de Bono expresses his surprise at how little attention has been given to the study and significance of humor by fields such as philosophy and psychology. De Bono is highlighting the fact that despite humor being an essential part of human life and communication, it has not received as much intellectual focus as other aspects of human behavior. His statement suggests that humor is often overlooked in serious academic and psychological discussions, despite its central role in social interaction, problem-solving, and emotional well-being.

De Bono’s remark reflects his belief that humor is a deeply underexplored area of human experience, one that has the potential to offer valuable insights into the workings of the mind and society. He is pointing out a gap in intellectual exploration, where humor is often treated as a secondary or less serious subject, rather than being examined as a critical part of human cognition and social dynamics. This could reflect his frustration with the way humor is sometimes trivialized despite its importance.

The origin of the quote comes from De Bono’s long career as a psychologist and thinker, particularly known for his work on lateral thinking and creativity. As a person deeply involved in exploring how the mind works, De Bono has likely recognized the significant role that humor plays in both creative thinking and problem-solving. His comment indicates a gap in traditional psychological approaches, which have not adequately considered humor as a powerful cognitive and emotional tool.

Ultimately, De Bono’s quote encourages a shift in perspective, urging philosophers, psychologists, and other intellectuals to pay more attention to humor and its impact on the human experience. Humor is more than just a form of entertainment—it can be a key to understanding human behavior, communication, and cognitive processes. De Bono's call to examine humor more closely challenges traditional academic frameworks and advocates for a broader exploration of this often underestimated aspect of life.