Things can be funny only when we are in fun. When we're 'dead earnest,' humor is the only thing that is dead.

Flip Wilson's quote explores the relationship between humor and attitude. He suggests that things can be funny only when we are in fun, meaning that humor thrives when we are in a light-hearted, playful state of mind. When we approach situations with a sense of joy or playfulness, we are more open to seeing the humor in them. However, when we are serious or overly earnest, humor tends to fall flat, as we are less likely to find enjoyment or laughter in the same circumstances.

Wilson also emphasizes that when we are "dead earnest", or overly focused and serious, it is humor itself that becomes "dead." In this context, earnestness—being completely serious or absorbed in a task—can stifle the ability to find or appreciate humor. The idea here is that humor requires a certain lightness of being and cannot coexist with a rigid or intense approach to life or situations.

The quote reflects Wilson’s own comedic philosophy and his belief in the importance of maintaining a sense of fun and playfulness in life. As a comedian, he understood the power of humor to bring levity to even the most serious of moments. His words encourage an attitude that allows room for humor to emerge naturally, without forcing it in moments of deep seriousness or tension.

In essence, Wilson’s quote serves as a reminder that humor works best when it comes from a place of enjoyment, not forced effort. It suggests that the key to finding comedy in life is to approach situations with an open, fun-loving attitude, rather than a rigid or overly serious mindset.