While our material lives in the 21st century have benefited greatly from advancements in science and technology, our spiritual minds have withered away. While our desire for good food has been satisfied, our inherent wisdom has been kept under lock and key.

In today's society, a good sense of humor is the foundation of a happy life, the lubricant of a successful relationship. Only through humor can one be charming and witty; only through humor can one have wisdom and the ability to enjoy what is amusing or comical.

However, we must bear in mind that humor is not sarcasm, but a language of wisdom. Humor is infinite in its profundity and inspiration. Humor is not derision, but a vehicle of self-mockery. A humorous gesture conveys an immeasurable amount of genuine affection and concern.

The intent of humor is not to create embarrassment for others by being overly forward, but to bring happiness to others by lightening or dissolving embarrassing moments. Hence, to have a good sense of humor is to have an enlightened mind, a mind complete with ingenuity, vivacity, and intelligence. It is indeed a mental state of unsurpassed carefreeness, without attachments or worries. It is an attitude of complete optimism, when all things past and present can be humorously perceived.

Humor is like a mountain spring, for it can cleanse our minds. It is like a cloud in the sky, for it can wander at will without obstruction. In today's society, people have lost their uniqueness and the ability to think for themselves. Instead of leading, people choose to become followers. Instead of exercising intellectual freedom, they choose to follow the decisions of others. It is society in general and not the individual that decides the common standard of morality. Under these circumstances, it is imperative to have a good sense of humor in our interpersonal relationships, because humor is like sunshine that can brighten our day and bring a smile to our faces. Humor is sometimes like a gentle breeze that can soothe a person's pain and misery. Humor is also like a spring blossom that can warm a person's heart and awaken his or her mind. We should strive to be like Charlie Chaplin, who has brought laughter to millions of moviegoers around the world with his genius for comedy; he has positively affected the lives of many people through his sense of humor.

There have been many eminent Buddhist monks who have possessed an excellent sense of humor. Contemporary Chinese literature is no exception; many authors have the uncanny ability to portray their subjects in a humorous light, without debasing their integrity. Their sense of humor is charming and graceful, which gives readers a refreshing sense of purity. As we struggle for true peace and happiness in our modern society, we find ourselves in desperate need of a few masters of comedy; those who can enrich the present world with their good sense of humor.