The basis of tragedy is man's helplessness against disease, war and death; the basis of comedy is man's helplessness against vanity (the vanity of love, greed, lust, power).
This quote highlights the fundamental distinctions between tragedy and comedy by emphasizing human vulnerabilities. Tragedy arises from our inevitable struggles against universal and uncontrollable forces like illness, conflict, and mortality, evoking empathy and reflection. Conversely, comedy stems from our persistent, often absurd, tendencies toward vanity—such as excessive pursuits of love, greed, lust, and power—that can lead to humorous or ironic outcomes. Recognizing these underlying human frailties helps us understand the contrasting tones and purposes of tragedy and comedy in art and life, illustrating how our susceptibility to different aspects of our nature shapes our greatest experiences and expressions.
