Mankind is immortal in the comic perspective not by virtue of man's subjugation of nature but by virtue of man's subjection to it. The "fall" in tragedy ends in death; the fall in comedy ends in bed, where, by nature's arithmetic, one and one make a brand new one.
This quote offers a profound reflection on the contrasting perspectives of tragedy and comedy as fundamental lenses through which humans understand their existence. In tragedy, the 'fall' signifies a decline culminating in death—a definitive end that emphasizes suffering, loss, and the inevitable limits of human effort. It underscores a more serious view of life, where suffering is intrinsic, and human hubris often leads to downfall. Conversely, comedy approaches the human condition through a lens of resilience, regeneration, and renewal. The 'fall' in comedy concludes not with death, but with a fresh start—symbolized humorously as ending 'in bed,' referencing both literal and metaphorical rebirth. This perspective suggests that, despite life's chaos and setbacks, humor and human connection enable a form of survival that defies nihilism. The phrase
