Le rire : Essai sur la signification du comique

Le Rire: Essai sur la signification du comique (in English, Laughter: An Essay on the Meaning of the Comic) is a philosophical work by the French philosopher Henri Bergson. First published in 1900, this essay explores the nature of comedy, laughter, and the comic in human life. Bergson's work is a deep and thoughtful examination of what makes people laugh and why humor is an essential aspect of human existence. He argues that laughter arises when there is a certain rigidity and inflexibility in human behavior or situations, and humor often serves as a social corrective mechanism, allowing us to adapt to changing circumstances. The essay also delves into the differences between comedy in literature and comedy in everyday life, addressing various forms of humor and their psychological underpinnings. Bergson's writing is characterized by its insightful exploration of the human experience. Le Rire remains a significant work in the field of philosophy and aesthetics, influencing later thinkers and scholars in the study of humor and laughter.