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And regardless of the fact that in this country, certainly in the arts, we treat comedy as a second-class citizen, I've never thought of it that way. I've always thought it to be important. The last time I looked, the Greeks were holding up two masks. I've always thought of it not only as having equal value, but as the craft of it, being funny.

There is a universality to comedy.

I think if you come from a history of persecution you have to develop a sense of humour.

Comedy is still alive, and there are still funny people. Jews are still overrepresented in comedy and psychiatry and underrepresented in the priesthood. That immigrant Jewish humor is still with us.

There is a strong ethical dimension to the best comedy. Not only does it avoid reinforcing prejudices, it actively challenges them.

Comedy often comes at the expense of others, and to do that smartly, you don't want to make fun of vulnerable people. You want to make fun of people in power, and so you need to really understand the dynamics of power.

I want to write a book which is the history of comedy.

Comedy tends to come out of things which are quite painful and serious.

Comedy comes from conflict, from hatred.

I am a passionate believer that comedy is a way of tackling some of the most dark and difficult aspects of being a human being.