“Wittiness is moderation in amusement; excess is buffoonery, deficiency is boorishness.”
— Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, Book II, Chapter 7
(Translated by W.D. Ross)
🔍 Core Idea
Humor is your social volume knob — crank it to 11 (🤡 buffoonery) and you’re obnoxious; mute it (🦉 stoicism) and you’re dull. Ethical wit works like TikTok’s “sound balance” feature, mixing jokes and sincerity to avoid cringe or boredom.
❗ Why This Matters Today
📱 Meme Culture Ethics
Excess: Spam 20 clown emojis → annoy friends 🚫
Deficiency: Never react → seem cold 🚫
Golden Mean: Drop 1 witty GIF + thoughtful comment → spark authentic laughs.
👥 Classroom Banter
Excess: Disrupt with constant jokes → detention 🚫
Deficiency: Scowl at all humor → labeled “no fun” 🚫
Golden Mean: Crack 2 timed puns/class → become respected class clown.
🎉 Party Vibe Checks
Excess: Roast everyone → trigger tears 🚫
Deficiency: Sit silently → kill energy 🚫
Golden Mean: Share 1 self-deprecating story → host memorable mood booster.
🚀 Action Steps
- Laugh Tracker Journal
Rate daily interactions:
“Jokes made: ______% funny vs ______% forced” - 21-Day Wit Detox
- Week 1: Cut 3 cringe jokes (e.g., overused memes)
- Week 2: Add 3 clever icebreakers (e.g., “If math were a TikTok trend…”)
- Humor Council
Form 4-person squads → analyze viral videos weekly → vote Best Balanced Comedian.