Can a Sense of Humour Be a Virtue? Discover Eutrapelia
St Thomas Aquinas, the value of laughter and the difference between humour that unites and humour that wounds.
Does holiness always have to look serious?
When thinking about spirituality, we often imagine silence, concentration and solemnity. Yet a shared meal, a parish gathering or time with friends can be transformed by the kind of laughter that eases tension.
St Thomas Aquinas reflected on a virtue connected with recreation and play. Its Greek name is “eutrapelia”. It does not mean turning everything into a joke; it is the ability to enjoy humour at the right moment and in a fitting manner.
History, meaning and message
1. What exactly is eutrapelia?
In the Summa Theologiae (II–II, question 168), Aquinas argues that the mind, like the body, needs rest. Appropriate play helps people recover their strength.
Virtue guides this pleasure between extremes: excessive joking on one side and an unnecessarily rigid refusal of recreation on the other. It also pays attention to the dignity of everyone present.
2. Does Scripture leave room for laughter?
In Genesis, Sarah speaks of laughter after the unexpected birth of Isaac, whose name recalls that theme (Genesis 21:6). Scripture recognises human surprise, emotion and joy.
That does not mean every joke is harmless. Christian freedom of speech carries responsibility for the effect our words have on others.
3. When does a joke become hurtful?
Mocking someone’s background, appearance or suffering might amuse one group while humiliating a person within it. Such humour is incompatible with charity.
Healthy laughter does not need a victim. It can release tension while preserving trust and dignity. An important question is whether everybody is able to laugh together.
4. What did Pope Francis say?
Addressing comedians on 14 June 2024, Pope Francis described the ability of humour to connect people, spread peace and help them endure difficult circumstances.
He also stressed that laughter should not degrade others. The pope spoke of asking God for a sense of humour, using a prayer associated with St Thomas More.
5. How can we grow in joyful kindness?
One place to begin is learning to smile at our own small mistakes. A person who can admit imperfection may find it easier to show patience with others.
At home and in parish life, make room for laughter that includes rather than excludes. Sometimes a gentle smile is the beginning of reconciliation.
Did you know?
Aquinas considered both excessive playfulness and an unreasonable refusal to enjoy play; good judgement lies between these extremes.
A thought for today
Joy does not trivialise faith. It can make our faith more humane, patient and open to others.
Put it into practice
Share something genuinely amusing and kind today, without making another person’s weakness the subject of the joke.
Continue the journey
Is everybody laughing with me, or is someone silent because my joke has caused hurt?
Prayer
Lord, give me a cheerful heart, speech free from mockery and the wisdom to lighten difficult moments without hurting anyone. Amen.
