Humor is laughing at what you haven't got when you ought to have it.
Meaning
Humor helps cope with lack and disappointment.
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About the author
(1902–1967) was an American poet, social activist, and a central figure in the Harlem Renaissance. His poetry celebrates African American culture, identity, and resilience. Works like "The Negro Speaks of Rivers" reflect his powerful voice and artistic expression. Hughes’s writing spans poetry, essays, and plays, often addressing racial inequality and hope. Langston Hughes’s legacy continues to influence literature, culture, and social movements advocating equality and representation.
Why This Quote Matters
For anyone weighing priorities, Langston Hughes’s focus on Life is especially timely.
At its heart, it teaches that Humor helps cope with lack and disappointment. It also scales: teams and families benefit when language like this is shared.
How to Apply This Quote in Life
You can apply this quote in daily life by focusing on Lifes and practicing what it implies. Build consistency before intensity—Humor helps cope with lack and disappointment.
is easier to live when the pace is honest. Small loops beat big promises; keep the bar low enough to show up again tomorrow.
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