Albert Einstein credited his brilliant mind to having a childlike sense of humour. Einstein was known for his wit and fun. According to some sources, Einstein’s IQ was probably about 160. While celebrated for his scientific genius Einstein also possessed a playful and often quirky side. He frequently used humour in his speeches, writings, and interactions, showcasing a sharp and witty mind. Indeed, several studies have found an association between humour and intelligence. Few research has shown that a sense of humour improves mental and physical health of people, it boosts a person’s attractiveness and improve your leadership skills. In my opinion humour is a critical life skill, one needs to boost it as it cannot be taught.
George Bernard Shaw was well-known for his witty and insightful quotes. Some of his most famous witticisms include: “England and America are two countries separated by the same language,” “Liberty means responsibility. That is why most men dread it,” and “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” He also famously quipped, “There are two tragedies in life. One is not to get your heart’s desire. The other is to get it,”
Researchers in Austria recently discovered that funny people, particularly those who enjoy dark humour which often explores serious subjects, such as death, crime, fiascos and societal issues, while filling these topics with humour to create an unusual and often thought-provoking contrasts is a gifted skill. They have higher IQs than their less funny peers. Researchers argue that it takes both cognitive and emotional ability to process and produce humour. Their analysis shows that funny people have higher verbal and non-verbal intelligence, and they don’t have mood swings, disturbances and ferocity. It’s nice to have people with sense of humour around. Evidence suggests that having a good sense of humour is highly desirable quality in a partner.
Psychologists have described humour as an innate trait that signals mental fitness and intellectual agility to potential mates. In studies of attractiveness, both men and women rate funny people as more attractive and charming. A study has also shown that having a good sense of humour is one of the most important traits in a long-term partnership in marriage, friendship, business partnership etc. Humour is associated with relationship satisfaction, sociability, and high self-esteem. Having a humorous outlook on life is also a good coping strategy. It helps people better manage stress and adversity.
Atal Bihari Vajpeyi, the former Prime Minister of India was known for his articulate speeches and witty remarks. He often used humour to diffuse tense situations and connect with the public on a personal level.
The Broaden & Build Theory is psychological framework, developed by Barbara Fredrickson, suggests that experiencing positive emotions, such as those caused by humour, broadens our thought-action range. This expansion enables individuals to think more creatively and adopt flexible approaches to problem-solving. Over time, these broadened cognitive patterns help build enduring psychological resources, such as resilience, social connections, and emotional well-being. Humour, by promoting laughter and joy, serves as a powerful trigger for this virtuous cycle, enhancing not only mental health but also interpersonal dynamics and overall life satisfaction.
While humour is often linked to higher IQ and EQ, it’s important to note that humour is subjective. Cultural, personal, and social factors shape what we find funny. Therefore, while someone’s intelligence might influence their humour, it’s not a definitive measure. Humour also manifests in different styles, from witty wordplay to situational comedy, meaning there’s no one-size-fits-all when assessing intelligence through humour. However, the ability to produce humour consistently often reflects advanced cognitive abilities.
Anand Mahindra is known for his witty and humorous personality, often expressed through his engaging posts and interactions on social media. He is the chairman of Mahindra Group, a large Indian conglomerate, and is recognized for his insightful commentary and light-heartedness on platforms like X (formerly Twitter).
Not only do funny people make other people laugh, but they also laugh more themselves. And neurobiology shows that laughter leads to brain changes, which may explain the link between humour and intelligence. Neuro-psychological studies have found that experiencing positive emotional states, such as joy, fun and happiness, increases the production of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine not only make us feel great, but it also opens the learning centres of the brain, which enables and sustains more neural connections. As a result, we become more flexible and creative in our thinking, and better at solving problems. It also boosts our working memory. Scientifically, when we laugh, our body releases the chemical Endorphins – the body’s natural ‘feel-good’ chemical, and there’s truly nothing better than a hearty laugh to get these hormones activated.
