The noblest function of humor is to appear as a defense and a relief when despair seems inevitable. This is proven by countless biographies, such as that of Polish lieutenant Slavomir Rawicz, who was arrested and taken to Siberia by the Soviets. It is moving to see him speak with the utmost gratitude of the prisoners who, in the midst of misery, anguish and fatigue, were able to crack a joke. It does not sound like much. But there, laughter was like a miracle, invigorating and purifying. Perhaps true humor only manifests itself in the moments of greatest tension; at least, that’s when it definitely proves its worth.