Comedians: Our New Philosophers?

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Comedians, philosophers, or … both?!
It’s common today to hear comedians compared to philosophers, especially as many prominent stand-up comedians seem more focused on social and political commentary. But is it reasonable to compare your favorite joke to a philosophical idea? Or are we fundamentally misunderstanding the relationship between comedy and philosophy? Let’s find out in this video: Are Comedians the New Philosophers?
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=== Watch More Episodes! ===
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Written and Hosted by Michael Burns
Directed by Michael Luxemburg
Edited by Henry Arrambide
Produced by Olivia Redden
Music courtesy of Epidemic Sound
#comedy #philosophy #culture
© 2024 Wisecrack / Omnia Media, Inc. / Enthusiast Gaming

[@amanul_2474]

"I hear often that 'comedians are the modern day philosopher', which makes me feel really sad for the actual modern day philosophers!" - Norm Macdonald RIP

[@WisecrackEDU]

RIP to the realest.

[@Adan11961]

Such a philosophical thing to say… … …

[@Dilmahkana]

His autobiography is full of philosophical thoughts. Such as "There is a difference between what a thing is and what it appears to be. Once I learned this truth, I began to see examples of it everywhere...I learned it took a powerful imagination to see something for what it really is." He describes a painting, and the scene it depicts...but it's only paint. He tries harder just to see the paint, but his eyes deceive him more the harder he looks. Or his cat that was once happy on his lap, but then 'out in the world' would dangerously and callously to torture a mouse for fun.

[@thorin2330]

god i miss him so much

[@fredwelf8650]

Watch “The Comedians” 1967 film starring Richard Burton

[@SpudMackenzie]

I think the funniest part of the bible has to be that time a bunch of kids made fun of Elisha for being bald and he summoned two bears that killed forty-two of them.

[@WisecrackEDU]

I wish I would have thought to do this when I got made fun of for my receding hairline in college.

[@JCQ205]

@@WisecrackEDU I think it would be easier to have a bear summoning two bald dudes.

[@yourfriendlyinternetmeatshield]

@@WisecrackEDU you don't need that on your conscience man... yes, you're joking, but... for just a moment... imagine... The closest I'm going to think of is that Christmas Robot Chicken Sketch where and elf says: "You ever see a Yeti when a balloon of c*ke bursts in his stomach in the middle of a flight?..... bad scene man...."

[@yourfriendlyinternetmeatshield]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKXOgKGqabSsf8ksi=csXz4rBhp_KgAoCf

[@Lilliathi]

If millennials wrote the bible, body shaming would be a sin. This is just God's foresight.

[@okram2k]

I think John Stewart put it the best that modern comedy isn't philosophy, it's the role of court jester. To point out problems with our nation through humor in a way that is entertaining and accessible while shining light on matters a lot of us ignore over don't pay attention to.

[@Lilliathi]

People think jesters were just clowns, but they had the sole privilege of criticizing and insulting the nobility to their faces without getting jailed. A pretty important role, especially when the king is often surrounded by yes-men.

[@mr.pavone9719]

He's definitely not the first to do it though. People listen to Tom Lehrer's song about the elements and think he's a nerd who plays piano. Lehrer had a long career as a political comedian who played piano, just like Mark Russel who did the same thing through the 70s and 90s. Both comedians had a keen wit and managed to package their satire in song. Lehrer felt it was time for him to move on when he started receiving 'clapter' from the crowd. I think the time has come for comedians to take a break from direct political commentary as well as the news.

[@Lilliathi]

@@mr.pavone9719 I don't think so, politics are nuts right now, if anything we need more comedians pulling it apart, not less. I think most people that would say this simply don't like that comedians are tearing into their political ideology.

[@Sebastian.Medina]

​@@Lilliathiif a comedian is receiving clapter they're not tearing into anything tho, that's the point.

[@Lilliathi]

@@Sebastian.Medina They are, they're just not being funny enough while doing it. Either way: if.

[@wtftobby]

The best part of the bible is when Job spends 30 pages arguing with everyone about god and then god appears and goes "You don't know me! You don't know my life!" And Job goes "okay" and it's over

[@FreaqProduction]

Wow, I never saw it from that perspective. And it's actually pretty spot on 😅

[@Motosapien46]

I think you missed the part in Job 42:7 where God points out that "Job said of me what is right"

[@iantaakalla8180]

I like how Job had to stand firm, because the point of the book of Job was that you can’t make assumptions about anyone’s life (like you can never assume what God is). It certainly makes God more unknowable, but at the price of him being weirdly cruel to Job for some reason.

[@marcusmenalucas7224]

GOD Did Heckle JOB. Had Job Thinking He DIDN'T KNOW HOW TO DO HIS JOB!

[@dr_volberg]

I teach a philosophy class to about 150 first year students every fall. When I go in front of them and pick up the mic, I always imagine myself to be a stand-up comedian doing a set.

[@Coffeeisnecessarynowpepper]

I teach anatomy and physiology and the Italian new jersey teens challenge me to mechanics

[@Ironborn4]

That's funny because I am a stand up comedian and every time I pick up the mic, I imagine myself being a philosophy teacher giving a lecture

[@raidenwave4219]

it's funny because in Mel Brooks' History of the World, there is a stand-up philosopher.

[@christianterrill3503]

Thank you for being our wall between us and woke culture. Your a hero and one of the 1000

[@authenticallysuperficial9874]

​@@christianterrill3503 ..what

[@BigWolf130]

I think most comedians that say they are philosophers are trying to imitate George Carlin.

[@benkylo8015]

This 100%

[@czarcoma]

thanks for saying what i was thinking

[@mr.pavone9719]

They certainly invoke his name a lot but not without reason. Carlin started really as a clown and made himself out to be nothing more. He got into the 60s and 70s and really got into his groove regarding language, how it changes and how it can be twisted to change public opinion. Once he got into the 80s and 90s, he turned into an angry, cynical old man and he really shed the comedian identity. He was more about directly challenging and calling out the wealthy elites and the media for their bullshit. I really wonder if the comedians of today, in comparing themselves to Carlin, ever listen to his hippy-dippy stupid stuff.

[@cooperhough7583]

I find that a lot of the imitators don't punch up though, they gripe about trans people and cancel culture instead of spelling out how ridiculous our material conditions are. Plus George was actually funny.

[@treecat125]

I think any comedian who says they are a philosopher isn't one. It's pretty high-minded and lacking in self-awareness to call yourself such a thing unless you literally study philosophy.

[@Ehh.....]

Seeing Stav knock Bert off his high horse was so damn cathartic.

[@Christopher-md7tf]

It's so crazy that people can develop an ego even over being a fat alcoholic who tells poop jokes for a living

[@bseffrood]

Bert has been riding high off his one joke for years now. He’s not funny.

[@the1anonlyace221]

Stavvy rules, he made the rounds of the Rogan boys club podcasts and gave each of them the most pushback they’ve gotten in years. And he’s funny as hell

[@tomifost]

@@bseffrood He lucked out somehow by staying relevant for taking his shirt off and being that guy thats too drunk at a party

[@MissBlueEyeliner]

@@tomifost I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s only his business acumen and his friendship with YMH that keep him going. And a never ending supply of college students probably doesn’t hurt.

[@user-tr6fw8yo2t]

i remember reading about some French jester that insulted the Queen. Apparently, she was so mad the King sentenced him to death but first asked the jester how he would like to be killed, simply replied, "by old age." The king agreed and didn't kill him however was banished from their land.

[@Totoofwarful]

“Any community that gets its laughs by pretending to be idiots will eventually be flooded by actual idiots who mistakenly believe that they’re in good company.” - René Descartes

[@promptcraft]

e.g groups like stormfront planting themselves in /pol/

[@melikaibun]

Yup. Pretty much every degenerate who’s just “trolling”

[@zerologic7912]

Can't believe that Descartes of all people predicted the alt right pipeline

[@Socrates526]

Can't believe that Descartes of all people predicted modern progressivism

[@trapadvisor]

There’s no fucking way he said that?!?! What the hell

[@lewis9159]

George Carlin is one of the few comics who could fit genuine insight into his routines. Most comedians can't lay a glove on him in that area.

[@Combaticus]

I'd put Bill Hicks in that same club.

[@blaster915]

Amen 🎉

[@AnitaFixx77]

George Carlin was the best 🎉

[@andythedishwasher1117]

Philosophers are dope because they're actually funnier than most comedians, but you have to work way harder to get their jokes. It's like hyper underground comedy that gets sponsored academically because it hides the punchlines well enough to look like they're supporting the right thing in the moment. It's an art form that goes all the way back to Maimonides. A guy named Leo Strauss wrote an excellent book called Persecution and the Art Of Writing back in the 50s that compared a number of medieval philosophers' methods for concealing esoteric beliefs or doctrines within their texts. Those tactics have evolved as much as science has since medieval times, so I like to assume every philosopher is writing between the lines to juke some authority somewhere. Wink wink.

[@zljmbo]

Ya Žižek is pretty funny

[@kmanley29687]

The funniest part of The Bible is when kids mock Elisha for being bald, so he sends two bears to kill forty-two children.

[@WisecrackEDU]

I need to get some bears.

[@royconestoga7326]

I’d do that.

[@Socrates526]

So we're just copy pasting comments now?

[@kmanley29687]

@Socrates526 Nope. I did see at least one other person posted the same thing around the same time I did, but I've been familiar with the story for years. No need to be a dick about multiple people thinking of the same story.

[@lanedillon6365]

One man I know that is very philosophical is George Carlin he was a gallows humor comedian but spoke it like a philosopher

[@WisecrackEDU]

He’s great. And definitely one of the most philosophical comedians.

[@MisterCynic18]

A modern day Diogenes he was

[@KBird204]

RIP to the 🐐

[@arcturionblade1077]

Only one of a handful who really comes close, IMHO.

[@hairyneil]

Im trying to think who else fits into that catagory, (not one the same level, sure), so far Marc Maron and Hannah Gadsby seem the most likely

[@megamagicmonkey]

I find Jonah to be the funniest. Guy is unapologetically a curmudgeon through and through. “Why did you flee when I said to give them my warning? In telling them they could be saved!” “Yeah. Exactly. I hate those jerks, so if I didn’t tell them they’d all die!”

[@Monkehrawrrr]

Iunno this wisecrack guys name either

[@sxeptomaniac]

You forgot to add where he throws a massive tantrum and says he wants to die because the plant shading him withered up.

[@ThisFinalHandle]

*Michael* is my favourite wisecracking philosopher...guy.

[@ThePupYT]

1:55 Aren't you the freaking horse from Horsing Around 😂

[@tarynfransen1594]

I think comedy and philosophy will forever have a Venn diagram, and I hope comedy does inspire people’s morals and actions, so it’s not quite fair to say people just go back to their regular lives. It all inspires thinking over time.

[@Ford_prefect_42]

Anyone else cheer when the sponsor is better help and you see the light fade from Michaels eyes? You got this buddy! Take their money and keep promoting therapy! We all know they're shit. But you're great, wisecrack guy

[@wargex]

Better Help screenshot your comment and sold it to Facebook.

[@Xsetsu]

Comedians aren't philosophers, but I do believe Carlin was the closest we will ever see to a crossover. The man was so at the forefront of stand up comedy and did it for so long that his later routines became more philosophy than comedy. Some older comics now seem to be trying to replicate what he did with varying success. I have yet to to see many others achieve this. George Carlin's later stuff is still relevant today and still holds up. The man was so far ahead of his time instead of being a product of his time. He will remain the goat because of his bit philosophy and relevancy.

[@booker229]

Funniest part of the bible: 2 Kings 2:23-24 Elisha is out walking when a group of young boys start roasting him for being bald, saying "go up you baldhead; go up you baldhead". Elisha turned around and cursed them in the name of the lord. "Then two female bears came out of the woods and tore up forty-two lads of their number". (direct quote. thats right, fourty two)

[@WisecrackEDU]

Love this

[@TimothyCHenderson]

So every perpetually online comedians wet dream?

[@xavierxrc]

I love this channel. This wisecrack guy knows his stuff

[@GO-sz1nv]

Does he have a name?

[@Hel1mutt]

Yeah, first name Wisecrack last name Guy@@GO-sz1nv

[@alexkirrmann8534]

You mean in the useless skill of philosophy. He is just talking into the void. Lol nothing was accomplished here. He thinks philosophy is a thing you can study and have answers, when its literally conjecture. Its not a science.

[@Davouc234]

@@alexkirrmann8534 he’s just trying to promote discussion and alternative perspectives. I am far from agreeing with everything he says but I am glad to have a platform like this to expose myself to different philosophers

[@troperhghar9898]

My top 3 funniest parts of the bible 1, the prophet elighah comands god to sick bears on some kids who made fun of his bald spot 2, jesus comes upon a tree he asks the tree to bear fruit but it doesnt respond (its a tree what was he expecting) and jesus curses the tree to rot 3, king saul says david can marry his daughter if he brings in the foreskins of 100 philitseines he killed... He came back with 200

[@washipuppy]

David always going above and beyond to get what he wants.

[@steven2183]

"If you're going to tell people the truth, you had better make them laugh or they will kill you." - Oscar Wilde

[@DenisRicardo]

The funniest part of the Bible is Song of Songs “Your breasts are like fawns” I’m still not sure what that means.

[@yourfriendlyinternetmeatshield]

Maybe "like baby deer"? Lithe, and supple, and firm etc. Etc?

[@NWPaul72]

"Staring at me and trembling like I'm a predator"

[@dudemonn]

I really enjoyed this. I tried writing a paper about comedy for my philosophy class back in the day. You literally stated my thesis like 3 times!

[@MoltenPlastic]

Thanks for putting Norm on the thumbnail ❤

[@WisecrackEDU]

RIP one of the greats

[@jackcrassus168]

Norm MacDonald “they call comedians modern day philosophers but that’s disrespectful to actual modern day philosophers. Oh good let’s see what the night club comic thinks”

[@ThatF_ckingguy]

There is a change in thinking after a really good comedy special that can not be ignored in terms of altering the collective consciousness.

[@RodrigoBarbosaBR]

Wisecrack shows what the best of youtube is. And yes, I support on patreon. And so should everyone who can.

[@alexkirrmann8534]

How? Trash channel. He isn't half as smart as he would like to think he was.

[@MP4_mafia]

I was not expecting to see the zipline sketch in a video about philosophy and comedy. Tim Robinson is legendary.

[@WisecrackEDU]

If only we could’ve included Mike from Adventure 365

[@KelsaRavenlock]

In History of the World: Part One, Comicus describes himself as a stand up philosopher while attempting to get unemployment. Of course the clerk then says "Ah, so your a bullshit artist" so there is that.

[@matthewfeeg1885]

It seems that most comedy is not philosophy but sometimes certain comics approach that status. Good point re: the court jester and the kind of laughter catharsis they bring forth.

[@danielsantiagourtado3430]

Look forward to another awesome year with you guys! Love wisecrack❤❤❤❤🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@BM5556]

from time to time, you Wisecrack sometimes publish a video that I read the title of and I instantly go like: YHEA RIGHT?! Or: I KNOW RIGHT?! I love this

[@ubik5453]

Hey, it's the wisecrack guy!

[@numbers0580]

I'm seriously considering getting the person in this video a custom name plate for his office desk that says: I Have a Name --------------------------------- That Wisecrack Guy

[@godhandstan3908]

Comedy and philosophy have always sort of gone hand-in-hand, right? Humor can help make deep thoughts more digestible, especially if it's a heavy and relatable topic like human nature.

[@Tacom4ster]

Not anymore, mostly just rich old men yelling at Trans

[@hirosoli]

If anyone ever asks 'what would Jesus do?' Remember that flipping tables and whipping people could be an answer.

[@josemiguelgonzalezwachter2269]

I mean Diogenes would piss on people, take a sh*t while actively having a conversation with you, beg a statue for food, shine a lantern into people's faces during the day... And then there was that HILARIOUS incident with the PLUCKED CHICKEN 😂 Philosophers have always been comedians!

[@RedSpicyKiwi]

This channel's insight, sources and genuine humor are top tier! Glad to have found wisecrack when i did.

[@heyelliew]

Comedians main job during the day is to think and make observations, and at night they tell us about what they have thought and observed. Might not be 100% philosophical… but it’s philosophical-ish.

[@juanconstenla1171]

My attention span is so shortened by social media that now I don't read, I don't remember the last time I read a philosophy book

[@BardWannabe]

Mel Brooks called a character a “stand-up philosopher” back in the History of the World, Part 1.

[@WisecrackEDU]

Thanks - wild that we missed that.

[@thefuturist8864]

Part of the problem is that philosophy doesn't lend itself to popular, everyday language. I speak as someone who has studied and taught philosophy for over 20 years, and by far the biggest challenge is to find a way to present philosophy both accurately and in a way that doesn't make it sound needlessly pedantic or specialised. The *best* way, without any doubt, to communicate unusual or difficult ideas is by using humour, so I'm not at all surprised that comedians are the ones being looked to as communicators of ideas. American stand-up has been this way for a long time, perhaps because American society is still interested in the question of what it is to live a good life, but the *real* problem is still there: someone like Gervais or Chappelle has to not only be philosophical, but actually *do* philosophy via their comedy (though Gervais has a degree in philosophy, so perhaps he has the advantage).

[@younghan3573]

Steve Martin has a philosophy degree. Dan Akroid studied abnormal psychology and wanted to be a FBI agent.

[@ThatF_ckingguy]

As a comic before I’ve even watched the video I’ll say there’s crossover we occupy a similar territory but by definition our job is different. I think common folk see comedians as modern philosophers cause modern philosophy has a crazy high bar of entry the ivory towers have some what monopolized it.

[@WisecrackEDU]

Totally! The crossover is very real, and when understood can lead to incredibly smart comedy.

[@ThatF_ckingguy]

@@WisecrackEDU thanks for such a great video what a roller coaster!! In general I agree with this assessment. Also shared to my buddies also comics and one is actually a certified philosophy major. The fact we often find ourselves in conversation with each other; philosophers and comedians, does really speak to our shared interests I think.

[@Aaron-kj8dv]

I also think comedians are way more accessible than philosophers. Someone like Bill Burr can say something intelligent while sounding like a drunk idiot and most philosophers speak in a way that's really speaking to other philosophers.

[@ignatiusjackson235]

​​@@Aaron-kj8dv Yeah, both comedy and philosophy can become a circle-jerk at times, but most philosophers are jerking off in a different language. Also, there's not much that hasn't been said and/or read about reality since the advent of the internet, so a lot of modern-day philosophers are just trying to spew whatever fresh, shiny, postmodernist bullshit they know will get them published. It's become more like a college debate class than a search for truth. At least comedians are trying to make you laugh, even if they fail in doing so. In that way, it's a nobler enterprise.

[@jasondumb5706]

"Stand up philosopher" Mel Brooks should get some credit here

[@WisecrackEDU]

We messed up by missing that reference

[@vitoria.no.c]

8:00 my favorite cross over. Michael has inspired me to dive deeper into philosophy and theory as someone trained in graphic design. Thank you for that! Looking forward to more Wisecrack in 2024

[@BigHeadLilDude]

Nice timing!

[@optomal7]

Greece's first prop comedy act was Diogenes talking about the form of man.

[@Leopoldshark]

Mel Brooks: A stand-up philosopher Bea Arthur: Oh, a bullshit artist

[@Chudchanning]

Comedy can be philosophy without the smarmy intellectualism. Only a great few comics broke that threshold into philosopher territory though, and almost all of them are dead with the exception of Doug Stanhope

[@BadassRaiden]

Jerry Seinfeld is neither a philosopher nor a comedian. Impressions of him are monumentally funnier than his own comedy.

[@Nathanatos22]

I’ve never laughed at any of Seinfeld’s jokes, but hearing the insinuation that he’s a philosopher made me guffaw

[@yourfriendlyinternetmeatshield]

"Whats the deal with": him ever being considered funny anything approaching philosophical? He's barely relatable imo. That there exists an ever continuing online CGI AI driven version of his show, says everything. It's not a love letter to his talent and creativity. It's a golem brought to life from bitterness to endlessly mock the source material without putting forth continued effort, which is truly a perfect parallel parody to the show and his career in general. I don't understand how he ever became "famous" and I think he's lucky Michael Richards never truly "snapped" on him because I think he may be the only person that truly sees this to it's fullest extent and it must be MADDENING.😢

[@pancakemogul]

It's very telling that of the two creators of Seinfeld, one went on to make 12 amazing seasons of Curb Your Enthusiasm and the other made an extremely average bee movie and then nothing ever again.

[@leon3589]

Not to diminish Seinfeld’s achievements but if people in 50 years look back on him and think has a philosopher, the way we look back and think of Kant or Schopenhauer, or Sartre or Nietzsche, that would be reflective of a true change in the meaning of the word

[@jimmysnowmanthe7003]

@@pancakemogul damn. Coffee with something..., also completely detached.

[@yourfriendlyinternetmeatshield]

*In a kinda creepy, nearly "Fight Club" Project Mayhem chant*: HIS NAME MICHAEL BURNS. HIS NAME IS MICHAEL BURNS. HIS NAME IS MICHAEL BURNS.

[@kevinhill8193]

His name WAS ROBERT PAULSON

[@Visionary1002]

I've always loved this quote in the overlap of these two worlds: "A witticism is an epigram on the death of a feeling" - Nietzsche

[@RonaldBradycptgmpy]

So, a few things. One is a thank you, you brought me back to wisecrack, my dude, and the discourse on the channel has been more consistently top-notch. The second thing is that I had a thought you knew the end of the video when you were talking about nurturing apathy, as opposed to the impetus for change: I guess we could summarize that as the difference between a comedian and their take on an issue is a philosopher of sorts is that the philosopher tries to guide the discourse around the topic being discussed to fertile ground, one capable of producing change, whereas the comedian just lets (by and large) the discourse around the topic act as solid ground for a punchline. Without necessarily considering whether or not, this might turn the audience apathetic as opposed to nurturing and examination of the topic for further discussion, or to bring about any positive end, aside from the laughter. Third, thinking about your videos from an accessibility point of view, would it be too much strain on workflow to use the video scripts as the basis for the subtitles rather than trusting Google speech recognition transcription?

[@faye_lavaro]

"While the jester is invited back to perform the same function at the next royal event, Socrates is invited to his trial and sentenced to death." This line right here pretty much summarized the entire thing for me. It stuck with me.

[@kimemia_maina]

Go all in on 'Wisecrack Man' by making a costume

[@ryle4h]

I just downloaded the Libby (library) app recently, and, holy sh!t, being able to pause the video to go download the book whenever Wisecrack Guy cites one is a freaking superpower.

[@seadawg93]

“You might think that I would love this.” Nope, I watch this channel regularly, I’m quite sure you wouldn’t.

[@trippyfawx]

I think the funniest part in the bible is simply how Jesus predicted Peter's lie, the irony in that the whole church is based off a lie that Jesus predicted is funny to me

[@DenKulesteSomFins]

Bro comedians like Joe Rogan and his likes saying that they are modern philosophers are dunning-kruger in the flesh.

[@johmyh14]

Bro have you even tried DMT?

[@KBird204]

Bro have you even tried DMT?

[@adimus25801]

The funniest part of the Bible is where mankind is held accountable for eating the fruit Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil literally before they had the capacity to know right from wrong and are sequently punished for all time for it.

[@fermatdad]

Excellent video. Perhaps, Terry Eagleon (Humour) was missing. Thank you very much, from Argentina. (Please could you mention the books and authors in the video description? Thank you so much)

[@chloemchll3774]

I am a little disappointed there is no reference here to the “stand-up philosopher” in Mel Brooks’ “History of the World part 1”. Literally expected it to be right near the top, and then again as you’re going through the history of the Jester (as Brooks’ character first gets a job that is essentially to be the Jester, but then proceeds to speak too honestly and end up with the Emperor wanting his head.) I think the main issue is that many comedians like to think of themselves as philosophers, but the handful who might actually qualify rarely think of themselves that way (Carlin- possibly the gold standard for philosophy through comedy, resisted that comparison, and to his credit based it on his observation that philosophers are working with intent to in some way better the world through increasing our collective knowledge when all he was trying to do was make people laugh and maybe think about WHY they were laughing.) I don’t think comedians like Chapelle or Gervais are being philosophers when they insist that it is a comedian’s job to push buttons (or however they want to phrase it) yet they commonly get held up to that standard by their audience. In contrast, I do think a comedian like Bo Burnham occasionally dabbles in philosophy (a song like “Song from the Perspective of God” comes to mind as both a metaphysical musing as to the nature of God, and a harsh critique of the institutions that claim to represent God, even offering a conclusion to how we can be closer to what God wants from us.) I’ll happily agree with Plato and Aristotle that jokes that punch down rarely if ever have redeeming philosophic value, but I find it odd they only considered that one type of joke (mockery) and didn’t consider other forms like satire or irony, or even what happens when the mockery isn’t targeted downward. Still, this is maybe the most “me” any of your videos has ever been (I’m rather obsessed with the relationship between philosophy and art, and humor is perhaps the most interesting art form to consider precisely because most people- even people who do it- tend to not think of it as being art in the same way a great film or book or album are.) In any event, kudos on an excellent video!

[@clydewilliams271]

"OH! A bullshit artist. Did you bullshit last week?" Such a great bit and movie.

[@Leopoldshark]

@@clydewilliams271 "Did you try to bullshit last week?"

[@NetworkISA]

I was looking for exactly this comment.

[@WisecrackEDU]

We totally biffed it by not knowing that reference

[@chloemchll3774]

@@WisecrackEDU It seems to me then that you may need my services after all…

[@danielsantiagourtado3430]

Happy new year guys 🎉🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤❤❤

[@UseTheLess00]

This might have been one of my favourite vids of yours in a while. Great work, Wisecrack team!

[@258hunterkill]

I think the difference is that comedy point out the issue or contradiction and leaves us with an answer in the form of a punchline, whereas philosophy points out the issue or contradiction and asks us to find the "punchline" ourselves if there even is one and its that process that makes us better people and a better society.

[@Peemanufacture]

funniest part of the bible is god making Ezekiel eat shit bread

[@WisecrackEDU]

Shit Bread?!?!?

[@Peemanufacture]

@@WisecrackEDU “…eat the food as you would a loaf of barley bread; bake it in the sight of the people, using human excrement…” Ezekiel 4:12 God’s funny like that

[@yourfriendlyinternetmeatshield]

Michael, I can not afford to patreon. I would if I could (and probably not actually use the benefits much, honestly, just do it because I WANT this channel, you all, to succeed and continue because you provide an invaluable public service, and I want to support that, but the best I can do, is try to always leave some "boiled goose" for the algorithm, no matter how busy i am or how little I have to say about the topic, or time and energy to say it. (Though often i leave, what some would say TOO MANY) comments. Simply because you specifically offered, I will offer to accept such kindness, and even pledge to actively use and benefit from the perks and take the time and effort to participate in the discussions on discord etc. Actively. If selected (*"I've got A GOLDEN TICKET" from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory plays*) because, it's unlikely I'll receive, and I'll call that bluff (it's not but how many countless innumerable will clamor for such?), and follow through in the unlikely event I miraculously end up getting that benefit, picked from the many, many, masses. Your move, Sir. No worries though and zero expectations. I'm gonna keep doing as I do here regardless, because i like the channel, and you, and your team, and want it to succeed (okay, some part of me is sore about some of the stupid. Bad channels that thrive on KZbin whilst your channel deserves more recognition etc. But that aside) Either way, thanks for the video, and i hope this year is great for you, and the channel.

[@Furysonofrage]

At least you don't introduce every video in the format "hey vsauce, Michael here" and still get called vsauce.

[@Abdelrhman_Rayis]

“one of the primary aims of philosophy is to making us aware of and exploring contradictions between the way we think the world is and the way the world actually is!” Quote of the Day

[@MelodicQuest]

Isn't it crazy that philosophers speak to inspire change, yet they themselves typically lack the power or influence to enact the change they speak of?

[@eztofollow]

you can't be a prophet in your own land

[@Bojoschannel]

Nah man, Aristotle and Confucius were really influential, they were masters of great emperors and all. The scholastic philosophers were also key in the medieval times of Europe. More recently, many of the liberal philosophers were so influential that we still live under their influence, such as Locke, Montesquieu, Kant and Hobbes. Now i don't know if you can classify Fanon as a philosopher, but he played his part during the Algerian revolution, Mao did some philosophy while being one of the revolution leaders, Bakunin is another good example. In my country we got people like the Magon Brothers and Jose Revueltas who apart from philosophy did revolutionary work But, the truth is, while most philosopher's influence came after their death, no individual can ever bring "change" by himself, doesn't matter if they got great ideas or whatever, at best they can be part of a movement like many revolutionaries during the past couple of centuries

If they weren't on this position, would they want change at all?

[@umbrascitor2079]

*audience laughs*

[@jamessizemore7103]

Makes me think about Alan Watts, man was a deeply spiritual self empowering philosopher, yet he died due to complications from alcohol abuse

[@lexdgordon]

Insightful as always. I’ve been coming to terms with comedy vs clapper based off of a wisecrack live episode where Micheal brings it up as a response to conservative comedy but that it plays both ways. That said, I just wouldn’t edit Trevor Noah and “hack bits” together. I find as a comedic artist his material is shaped by his world view and quite authentic to him. But maybe that’s on the editor who may not in fact be Micheal. Similar to the Hasan edited together with debate bros when Micheal/wisecrack would admit that he isn’t and likes his content. But in this case a bit was played from Noah in the context of the statement and idk I just think Noah deserves better than that. So many other straight hack bits from comedians trying to punch down.

[@Astrosynthesist]

I think the comedian that walked the line the closest for me was late (like, late in his career, though he is also dead now) George Carlin. I absolutely love how he mostly stopped writing gag punchlines and just started telling how he sees absurdity the world. Like he knew he had a platform and wanted to better people before he died. And he was bang on with a couple of his points. I found the exaggeration to extremes to prove a point about today's grey areas to be very thought provoking, while the absurdity was still hilarious. It's certainly not classical-philosophy-level philosophy by any means but as you mentioned it got me to start questioning the world and picking up new ideas and books and that's valuable to me. And his off-stage interviews, to me, showed him to be quite thoughtful and insightful

[@thebandwagoneffect]

At least it’s “hey! Wisecrack guy!” And not “hey! It’s BingingWithBabish without his glasses!”

[@LeeAtkinson98]

The funniest part of the bible is that people believe it beyond rational stories to extrapolate some magical all powerful being and use it as an excuse for war crimes 🤣

[@acady4460]

So glad you still make these videos!

[@jaydearien8624]

I like the idea of laughter as pure ideology. Laughter (along with tears, yawning, and maybe trembling) are the pure physiological memetic reactions humans have. They also have the properties of being "well-marked" (as memes). You're laughing or you're not. Hence, making people laugh can be a pretty exact and productive exercise in working within ideology. If comedians get a laugh from it, then it's a thing, memetically (and ideologically) speaking.

[@willstrickland9952]

Was always a huge Dave Chappelle but his new comedy made me realize the difference between comedy for laughs and comedy for claps.

[@willywonka7812]

For barking seals, in his case

[@pendejo6466]

@@willywonka7812 Yeah, the complaining "seals."

[@lorriechristian7164]

I would have considered Chappelle one of the titular philosophical comedians until he got weird

[@kendallmoore4826]

He became a jester more or less

[@NWPaul72]

It's his attempted transition to demagogue for me. He hasn't stopped trying to tell his side of the trans thing... since it came up! It seems like it takes up all his time and mental real estate, then MAGA chuds repost the worst bits in Shorts and on TikTok

[@lococomrade3488]

"Got weird" i.e.: became a conservative.

[@BlytheWestchild]

Did you mean: transphobic

[@mystuff9999]

I am genuinely interested what you mean by weird.

[@alexpazaitis]

There's lots of room for philosophy in comedy that has grown ever bigger the more absurd the world becomes. What's less embraced is the room of comedy in philosophy, not merely as a subject of intellectual inquiry but as a form of communication and meaning. As a researcher and lecturer on theory of value I have come to understand how much more I am able to engage students or audiences with the core of my study through witty little remarks on contemporary topics or just silly memes in my slides. And I very often find myself using techniques inspired by my favorite comedians in setting up a story, creating contradiction and ambiguity, and often sheer silliness and madness (The Monty Python have been masters of the art). Laughter serves a fundamental co-evolutionary function in human societies through which genuine relationships emerge. Laughter makes us open up, allows us to become vulnerable - which is itself a great leap of faith. It bridges the artificial gap between the "teacher" and the "student"; the "expert" and the "learner" and allows us to understand how we are all in this together and that is where the learning happens. That's at least my two pence from what I've empirically found to work for me in my practice but I'm sure smarter people have written about this, so let me know if you know any sources :)

[@nicolebogda1482]

There was a vid on Carlinism, he was one of a kind and paved the way for intelligent thinking comedy. I have no doubt he falls into this category, but I think it’s rare and if there happens to be anyone else, it is extremely rare

[@ThatF_ckingguy]

Problem is every comic approaches it differently the ultimate goal should be laughter but yes in more modern times some comics are more focused on their message or what their voice can do interns of moving the needle on certain political issues. I think that is largely a fad. The comedian must wrestle with truth similar to the philosopher but the goal is different the philosopher is simply searching the comedian once they’ve found a truth must polish it wrap it up and deliver it in a way that provoked laughter. So our actual job is to obscure the truth point at it but never let you grasp it the philosopher is a good dad that wants to play catch with you comedy is a cool older brother playing keep away from you. Both can be fun and valuable for different reasons.

[@blu3260]

Every comic is different, but the important thing is they should try to be funny. The ones like Ricky Gervais who think of comedy as a way to be smarter than people (while saying dumb shit) don't even brand their jokes as funny anymore, it's all about "triggering" the audience while being paid a load of money to say they're being silenced.

[@raulgarcia8627]

Wisecrack guy ✌️

[@tarynfransen1594]

Comedians and philosophers remind me of a tactic we use in advertising; some ads are more ‘top of funnel’ and others ‘bottom of funnel’. Top being more high level brand awareness in the back of your mind (billboards, commercials), and bottom of funnel something more targeted resulting in clicks (digital or social ads). Comedians and philosophers are on the same ideology preaching kind of team, some are just higher level and more removed than a l definitive/serious form of an idea, such as philosophers’ work. Different roles but both important in forming an ideology.

[@briciusd.8478]

This is a point I often have to try and beat people with. A group of people I know get really invested in some comedians and try to argue who is better or more right about their subject. They don't really appreciate when I have to explain how just because another person said it, doesn't make it right or better, particularly when it is someone's job to grab your attention with whatever means/subject necessary, and ultimately profit from it.

[@Matthew_Murray]

Combine America’s history of anti-intellectualism, and our love of celebrity culture. It’s not a surprise that people would mistake comedians as philosophers.

[@thegimp7796]

How can a video like this be made and not include what Norm said about comedians being modern day philosophers?

[@WisecrackEDU]

Honestly too much to cram in and we missed some stuff, but you’re right, his quote is awesome.

[@Hellisotherfolks]

Hey. Michael Octavio Burns. Disembodied voice of Producer Henry. All the wisecrack folks behind the scenes. We appreciate you. We love you. Keep it up!

[@benjaminkothe7545]

Hi...Michael Burns👋👋👋 I really appreciate your mind and sense of humor ...as well as the wisecrack vids

[@zenleeparadise]

Watching the ad to see if you're blinking "save me" in morse code. Can't believe Wisecrack is still making you shill for such terrible companies.

[@JasonX909]

Worth pointing out that this and another comment about the sponsor both got WC likes. Maybe they're cutting ties?

[@zenleeparadise]

@@JasonX909 I got a feeling Michael is liking those comments and assuming WC isn't paying any attention to what he's doing (and he's probably right!)

[@JasonX909]

@@zenleeparadise Hopefully lol

[@AlexA-zi3bf]

Stand up comics have been our "philosophers" for a very long time. The great Comicus used to preform in ancient Rome as a stand up philosopher.

[@bwackbeedows3629]

16:13 Damn, fam! Haven't seen the Lucas Brothers in a minute! Had no idea they were Philosophy majors, that's cool asf 🙌🏿💯

[@johnnytrash2839]

Not to mention that Bill Hicks has a compilation called Philosophy that is decades old at this point, but sure, let's credit TJ Miller 🙄

[@umbomb]

There's some overlap, but comedy and philosophy are two different things. Thanks for all your good work (and for the other stuff.) (JK)

[@Aragorn7884]

Carlin? *Definitely* 🥹

[@LoveReacts]

Hearing Stavvy laugh gives me life, especially when it’s his own jokes he finds funny. I say all of this without a lick of irony, genuinely. Love that man. Good video too

[@paulmetsker1127]

I think the funniest thing I've seen all year is the fact that you put a hack like chappelle in front of 2 absolute geniuses....

[@luigiprofeta2295]

I miss thug notes videos from this channel.