Melancholia

Melancholia is the label often given to the state of a person’s lingering sadness in the 19^th century. In fact, it’s said President Abraham Lincoln “dripped of melancholy.”

This lingering sadness was common as intelligence, confidence, honesty or a lack thereof. Both Mark Twain and O. Henry lived with the condition.

And they both used it to their advantage when writing. It was simply a part of their personalities.

Today, it’s generally known as severe depression or even bipolar disorder.

Many of us are in this state, severe or not, for one reason or another. Therefore, dragging one’s self out of the affliction is part of most folk’s daily routine.

Humor is an important part of this process – seeing the funny side to a situation – including an unimaginably horrible one. Many stand-up comedian’s make a living using this technique, twisted or not..

After all even a newborn baby responds happily to laughter.