Professional comedians, surprisingly, have a lack of humor. They're insensitive to the insanity of our times.

Mort Sahl’s quote suggests that professional comedians, despite their role in making others laugh, often lack a deep sense of humor themselves. He argues that they are insensitive to the insanity of the world around them, implying that comedians may not always understand or reflect the absurdity of the times in their work. Sahl’s comment challenges the assumption that comedians, by nature, have a heightened sense of humor and awareness of the world, highlighting a potential disconnect between the profession and the social realities they are supposed to comment on.

The origin of this perspective comes from Sahl’s career as a stand-up comedian and social critic. Known for his sharp wit and commentary on current events, Sahl’s humor often tackled complex political and social issues. His frustration with fellow comedians who avoid or fail to address the absurdities of their time reflects his belief that humor should engage with the deeper issues of society, rather than just serving as superficial entertainment.

Sahl’s comment also speaks to the idea that comedy should not only provide laughter but also offer a form of critique or reflection on societal norms. By pointing out the lack of insight among some professional comedians, he suggests that humor can be a powerful tool for highlighting injustice, corruption, or the chaos of the world. Without this critical edge, comedy risks becoming trivial and disconnected from the true spirit of humor that challenges and entertains.

Ultimately, Mort Sahl’s quote challenges the expectations placed on comedians and calls for a more thoughtful, socially aware form of humor. He argues that, while comedians are known for making people laugh, they should also use their platform to recognize and respond to the absurdities of the world around them, providing insight as well as amusement.