Absurdity

(from http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/2nnRdy/:NN5YJ+6W:9Y9OAMU9/
thedesigninspiration.com/articles/50-adorable-animals-to-melt-your-heart/)
I know what you’re thinking: “Is that a pig in rainboots?” Yes, yes it is. Inspired by our friend above, who I will nickname Mona Lisa, I will be discussing absurdity as a force for positive change in the world.
It is widely known that overly serious people are not the most fun to be around. Truthfully, when people are too serious, the world is impacted in a negative way. While there are indeed many issues which must be taken seriously, when individuals take themselves too seriously the effect can only be negative. Those who are ready to laugh at themselves are more inclined to be open-minded and amenable to change, whereas those who are more serious (especially those whose “dignity” borders on arrogance) tend to get stuck in ruts and resist change. This phenomenon can be widely observed in the world today. Across the political spectrum, although particularly among conservatives, people cling to the beliefs they were brought up with or that they have already invested in at the possible expense of the entire world. A case in point are those who deny the existence of climate change. These people, who take themselves very seriously, are in truth absurd. They cannot see this, however, because they are blinded by their seriousness and self-importance. If more people had a sense of the absurd, they could turn away from liars and false scientists, laughing instead of believing.
Besides grave world issues, humor and the absurd are vital for one’s emotional health. Stress plays an enormous role in the onset of disease, and for this malady laughter really is one of the best medicines. To be able to laugh regularly and openly, to feel true mirth, requires a sense of the absurd. With this sense comes the ability to detach, if only briefly, from one’s concerns and revel in the strange little things that make this world beautiful. I sincerely hope that Mona Lisa provided a wonderful touch of the bizarre in your day today.