One question about a joke is, how well is the strangeness of the situation resolved? At 'The New Yorker', we retain a lot of incongruity, tapping the playful part of the mind - Monty Python-type stuff. We also try to use humor as a vehicle for communicating ideas. Not editorial comment, but observation.

In this quote, Robert Mankoff delves into the mechanics of jokes and the incongruity that often underpins humor. He suggests that a key element in a successful joke is how well the strangeness of a situation is resolved, meaning that the humor arises from an unexpected or odd circumstance that the joke brings to light. Mankoff emphasizes that humor works best when it taps into surprise or absurdity, with the audience feeling a sense of satisfaction when the strange situation is either explained or left unresolved in a humorous way.

Mankoff draws a parallel between his approach and that of Monty Python, known for their playful and absurd comedy. The mention of Monty Python reflects his belief that humor often thrives on the unexpected and the unconventional. The use of incongruity in their work, where seemingly unrelated elements are placed together for comedic effect, is something that Mankoff aligns with in his own style, especially in his time at The New Yorker.

At The New Yorker, Mankoff underscores that their humor isn't necessarily about editorial comment but rather about observation. The goal is to use humor as a way to highlight the oddities of life or human behavior, inviting the audience to reflect on these observations without preaching or making direct statements. By observing and presenting situations with humor, they allow readers to arrive at their own interpretations, all while keeping the focus on the playful and often absurd nature of the world around us.

Through this perspective, Mankoff reaffirms the power of humor to communicate ideas in an engaging and non-didactic manner. He suggests that humor, especially the kind that retains its strangeness and taps into the playful side of the mind, is a powerful tool for presenting and reflecting on the quirks of life, offering a perspective that invites both laughter and reflection.