Comments on: An old joke you've probably heard

By: Adam

Adam — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 03:34:44 +0000

Here’s another one (in 22 words, no less):

What did the hyper-Calvinist say when he fell awkwardly down the stairs?
“Whew. I’m glad I got that out of the way.”

Just discovered your blog and I love it.

By: Gordon Cheng

Gordon Cheng — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 11:32:42 +0000

The only trouble with putting that Descartes joke into 22 words is that it really works better if instead of Descartes saying “I don’t think I am” [which is five words], Descartes says “I think … not“.

The original phrase, after all, is “I think therefore I am.” So if there is a slight pause after “I think”, the hearer expects the usual continuation, but is surprised by the word “not” (which is funny, and requires a bit of comic timing), and then the disappearance of Descartes is a double surprise, which increases the long term enjoyment as you think back on why the joke works so well.

All of which is to say, I think both the joke and your competition would be improved, and less verbose (unlike this comment) if it was limited to 19 words.

By: craig b

craig b — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 11:20:41 +0000

As I think therefore I am; therefore what ever is truth, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy think about such things.

By: David Wickiser

David Wickiser — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 16:50:53 +0000

I love that joke… too bad so few of my friends do…

By: Worship Leader Ron

Worship Leader Ron — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 14:24:44 +0000

I love it!

By: Philosophical Humor « A Brick in the Valley

Philosophical Humor « A Brick in the Valley — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 13:50:06 +0000

[...] Here you go. (And, this post is only ten [...]

By: Sarah H

Sarah H — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 23:02:25 +0000

Groan…