Cheers.

 

As a very young child, I remember my aunt would bring over her reel-to-reel projector. We would hang up a white sheet and watch M.A.S.H. Later, I was introduced to Fawlty Towers, and Basil just cracked me up. For many years, I have laughed to the point of tears watching Seinfeld, Cheers, and The Big Bang Theory. They have kept me sane for many years.

I believe that no matter how bad life gets, laughter is the cure for many weary travelers. The guys around the table above represent thousands of hours of laughter and joy in our lives. They are some of the most beloved sitcoms in television history, gathered around a table as if sharing the stories that defined their worlds.

Laughter truly is the most resilient human connection, and there is something profound about the way these characters—who have invited themselves into our living rooms and lives for years—can feel like old friends. There is a restorative power in humor.

A few words from others on the subject:

"A day without laughter is a day wasted." — Charlie Chaplin 

"The human race has one really effective weapon, and that is laughter." — Mark Twain

 "Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face." — Victor Hugo 

"I don't trust anyone who doesn't laugh." — Maya Angelou 

"Laughter heals all wounds... No matter what you're going through, it makes you forget about your problems." — Kevin Hart

 "Your body cannot heal without play. Your mind cannot heal without laughter. Your soul cannot heal without joy." — Catherine Ripperger Fenwick 

"Fools take life seriously. The wise laugh at it." — Maxime Lagacé 

"We don't laugh because we're happy—we're happy because we laugh." — William James 

"With the fearful strain that is on me night and day, if I did not laugh I should die." — Abraham Lincoln 

"A really hard laugh is like sex—one of the ultimate diversions of existence." — Jerry Seinfeld 

"He who laughs most, learns best." — John Cleese 

"I refuse to answer that question on the grounds that I don't know the answer." — Mostly Harmless