Besides, it makes an appeal to them on their weakest side.
Few people can resist a joke. There is never any occasion for them
to cultivate resistance. So there is no more certain way by which we
can get quickly and inevitably into their confidence and fellowship.
When once we are on good terms with them they will listen to us while
we say anything we may have to say. Of course we shall often have many
serious things to say; but humor will open the way for us to say them
better than any other agency.
It is to be noted that humor is slighter and more delicate than any
other form of wit, and that it is used by serious and accomplished
writers. It is the element of success in nearly all essay-writing,
especially in letters; and the business man will find it his most powerful
weapon in advertising. Its value is to be seen by uses so various.
The student is invited to study three examples of humor. The first is
Addison's "Advice in Love." It is obvious that this subject could not
very well be treated in any other way. It is too delicate for anything
but delicate humor, for humor can handle subjects which would be
impossible for any other kind of language.
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