AI: Ovid, Jane Austen, and John Cleese Compared: Wit, Satire, and the Human Condition
Though separated by centuries, Roman poet Ovid, novelist Jane Austen, and comedian John Cleese all share a sharp wit. They use humor to expose societal flaws, nudge readers towards introspection, and leave audiences chuckling while contemplating life’s complexities.
Ovid: “Love is always wanting what it cannot have.” (Metamorphoses) – A timeless truth about desire, explored with wit in his mythical tales.
Austen: “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” (Pride and Prejudice) – Social satire with a wink, dissecting the marriage market of her era.
Cleese: “Nobody likes being bossed. That’s the root of most unhappiness.” (Fawlty Towers) – Cleverly absurdist humor, highlighting the universality of human frustrations.