Summary

The article discusses the misconception that only those with troubled pasts or unhappy dispositions can write comedy effectively, arguing instead that contentment and happiness can also fuel comedic writing.

Abstract

The article presents a philosophical exploration into the nature of comedic writing, challenging the notion that one must be unhappy or troubled to excel in the genre. It introduces Connor, a horror writer who uses writing as therapy, and contrasts his experience with that of the author, who is content and wealthy yet still writes successful comedy. The author posits that happy individuals, including the wealthy with abundant free time, have the capacity to write comedy as a means to share their joy and wisdom, drawing on studies that suggest content people are kind and inclined to help others through their writing. The article also suggests that writing comedy can serve as a coping mechanism for the cognitive dissonance experienced by those who are well-off in a world where many suffer.

Opinions

The author believes that contentment and happiness do not preclude one from writing comedy; rather, they can enhance one's ability to do so.
It is suggested that wealthy individuals often have the time and inclination to engage in creative pursuits like writing, which can include both serious and comedic content.
The article implies that content people have a desire to share their positive experiences and wisdom, potentially through writing self-help listicles or comedic pieces.
Writing comedy is presented as a noble way for those who are well-off to address the disparities in the world, serving as a form of catharsis and conscience-easing.
The author criticizes the idea that only those with serious or troubled backgrounds can produce meaningful or humorous content, emphasizing that comedy can stem from a place of joy and satisfaction.
The article humorously points out that writing comedy can be both a source of income and a method for the wealthy to maintain their happiness by making others laugh.

Why Write Comedy if You Are Happy?

A short philosophical journey into the deep waters of funny

Connor had the kind of childhood they show on “FBI: Most Wanted” and “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.”

Horrible simply isn’t the word.

He’s also a talented writer. He specializes in horror. He writes for TV, Wattpad, and Patreon and has a few books under various names.

Maybe unsurprisingly, Connor says he “writes horror to exorcise his demons. It’s [his] therapy.”

In a recent article, Philip Ogley said:

“If you’re perfectly content and happy and rich and everything is fine, I doubt you can write comedy — or even anything.”

It certainly makes sense for Philip, but he’s missing something.

As someone who is “perfectly content and happy and rich and everything is fine,” I can write comedy (this story got 10,000+ views, Philip can confirm, he has access to the stats), and I certainly can write anything (this article being a proof should you be new to Medium and need one).

You could argue my case is specific, and you would be correct because we are all specific. But we can also approach this idea from a theoretical standpoint.

Rich people tend to have a lot of time on their hands. Some use it to shoot and post freezer refilling and restocking videos on TikTok, but others have a brain and use it to write stories.
Numerous studies show perfectly content people are kind and, more often than not, want to share their wisdom with other people. Perfectly content people want the world to be perfectly content like them. That’s why they write self-help listicles.
Happy people are the same. They have so much happiness inside them that they need to share it with others not to explode. And since making others happy make them happy, it’s like an infinitely renewable energy source.

It’s only logical that combining all these factors makes people even more willing to write listicles. You can read many of them on Medium. For example:

We now have confirmation that people who are “perfectly content and happy and rich, and everything is fine” can write anything.

But can they write comedy?

YES!

In a process strangely similar to Connor’s horror writings, comedy is a way for “perfectly content and happy and rich and everything is fine” people to resolve the cognitive dissonance of having a great life when 17 humans die of hunger every minute (that’s 9 million per year).

Writing comedy is the noble way, but it’s not the only one.

“Perfectly content and happy and rich and everything is fine” people can also choose to drive a Tesla, eat organic, and give money to charity to buy themselves a conscience (and get tax deductions).

But writing comedy is cheaper and can even earn them money.

It’s not the kind of opportunity that rich people usually neglect.

For other perspectives on this topic, read these:

“I Also Write Serious” — Why Are Comedy Writers So Serious?

Or are they just joking?

medium.com

When A Comedian Stops Laughing

What happens when the show ends, the persona exits and the real person awaits at home

medium.com

Smillew is a Medium artiste. As such, he shamelessly lies and begs for money on ko-fi.