Shrewd and Witty Quotes From History’s Humorists

Modern comedy is primarily defined by stand-up specials and social media sensations. But there was a time that the humble humorist played an important role in entertainment, too.

Comedians are more commonly known for being performers, while humorists are typically defined by the written word. Both strive to make their audience laugh, but a humorist is more concerned with wielding intellect and insight to deliver important, and sometimes controversial, social satire.

The great humorists throughout history have been essayists, novelists, critics, and, yes, comedians. They’ve shared biting wit, enviable intelligence, and an undeniable, unforgettable way with words. Humorists may not be as centered in comedic or literary culture as they once were, but they are still out there — you just have to keep your eyes and ears open.

Here are 12 witty and irreverent quotes from some of history’s most shrewd humorists.

Mark Twain, the pen name of Samuel Langhorne Clemens, was an American writer who is best known for his travel writing and adventure fiction, such as "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn." He has been praised by “The New York Times” as the "greatest humorist the United States has produced."

David Sedaris is considered one of the best current American humorists. He rose to fame through his self-deprecating stories about his family and through his regular appearances on NPR.

Dorothy Parker was a poet, critic, and short-story writer who was a fixture in the New York literary scene, revered for her sharp and sarcastic wit.

Nora Ephron was a journalist and essayist, but is best known for going on to write, direct, and produce genre-defining romantic comedy films such as “When Harry Met Sally” and “Sleepless In Seattle.”

George Carlin was a stand-up comedian and actor whose frank humor and social critiques made him one of the defining talents of his time.

Mae West was an actress and screenwriter whose bawdy sense of humor pushed boundaries and earned her many accolades.

Artemus Ward, the pen name and main character of Charles Farrar Browne, was an American humor writer and comedic performer who is considered a pioneer in stand-up comedy.

Gertrude Stein was an American-born, Paris-based writer whose dry, idiosyncratic humor was an understated part of her work in the modernist movement.

James Thurber was an American writer and cartoonist. His work, including comics as well as the short story “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty,” which has been called a masterpiece, primarily appeared in “The New Yorker.”

Dave Barry is an American author who wrote a nationally syndicated humor column for the “Miami Herald” from 1983 to 2005. He won a Pulitzer Prize for commentary in 1988 for "his consistently effective use of humor as a device for presenting fresh insights into serious concerns.”

Jean Shepard, often referred to simply as “Shep,” was an American writer, TV and radio personality, and actor. He is best known for co-writing and narrating the 1983 movie “A Christmas Story,” which is based on his book “In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash,” inspired by his own life.

Gore Vidal was a writer and intellectual known for his outspoken and satirical wit. He is best known for his 1946 novel “The City and the Pillar,” which drew criticisms at the time for portraying overt homosexuality.

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