Why we laugh when we know it’s wrong

For the Batek people of the Malaysian peninsula rainforest, laughter can be dangerous. Within the system of taboos of these egalitarian hunter-gatherers, laughing in certain situations can cause storms, illness or even death. And yet sometimes, Batek people—like anyone else—laugh when they know they shouldn’t. In fact, laughter can be especially pleasurable when it’s forbidden. What does this paradox tell […]

Continue reading »