Playing with Boundaries

The final section of The Practice is called "Seek Out Constraints" and it contains this gem, chapter #208:

It's dark and cold outside the box. But the edge of the box? The edge of the box gives you leverage. When you find the edge of the box, you're in the place that has scared away those that came before you. It's from this edge that you can turn the constraint into an advantage, instead of an excuse.

I've recently developed a new theory of comedy. I believe humor is the act of playing with boundaries. This shows you understand them and shares a secret in public.

The insight of a joke is surprising. That's why it's a secret. And it's public, obvious in hindsight, which is why it's humorous. The audience is assisted in the act of learning, laughing at ourselves.

Women enjoy flirting with men because good men will flirt with humor. It's fun. But they are also demonstrating deep understanding—of knowing you, of knowing your boundaries, of engaging in banter that tests and toes the line.

Humor sharpens the line rather than blurring it. Now, if someone doesn't demonstrate their understanding of a line existing at all, how will you know they won't cross it?

We like engaging with someone who is obviously wise and experienced and kind and smart and confident and gentle and pleasant and now they just seem like an indescribably good genetic mate! Also nice to look at in the eyes.

I'd fuck a good stump that makes me laugh.

Playing with boundaries subverts paradigms. When you play with people's reactions, it is essential to be having fun (together)—this cannot be serious at all. It's the Infinite Game.

The Joker is evil because he knowingly crosses all boundaries under the guise of chaotic fun, with a terrible finite purpose. He might be sexy as Heath Ledger for a moment, but if you're not Harley Quinn then you're much likelier to prefer Batman despite his lack of humor. So thank goodness Alfred and Robin are there to lighten the mood!

Seth gave an artful talk on being a Linchpin to challenge the boundaries of work and capitalism. I wish it were better known than than The 4-Hour Workweek because he has hundreds of insights, rather than just one. But they speak to the same thing, fundamentally. It's cute how Tim bows to Seth on his pod.

And I didn't realize until yesterday that Seth is so freakin' hilarious live on stage! Truly remarkable. Gladdens my heart.