How to Tell a Joke
by Cicero, translated by Michael Fontaine
Cicero's treatise on humor in oratory: wit, timing, what not to joke about, with Quintilian. Ancient stand-up theory.
Read it if…
you speak publicly and want to be funnier, safely.
See the book →
Skip it if…
you want a joke book.
Try instead: How to Flourish →
Three things you will actually use
- Wit disarms.
- Timing is everything.
- Never mock the pitiable.
Do this first
Read the section on what to avoid.
Our verdict
Cicero on humor.
See the book →
Compare with other Character books
How to Flourish
Aristotle, translated by Susan Sauvé Meyer · Character
Aristotle abridged.
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How to Do the Right Thing
Seneca, translated by Robert A. Kaster · Character
Seneca on right action.
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