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168
Vitality Supreme
·
Bernarr Macfadden
160
I
may
say,
however,
that
in
a
sense
there
is
a
certain
basis
for
this
sentiment
under
certain
circumstances.
For
crying,
like
laughter,
has
the
physiological
effect
of
producing
a
relaxation
of
tense
nerves.
There
is
a
fundamental
basis
for
crying,
but
this
applies
only
to
exceptional
instances
in
which
there
is
too
much
nervous
tension.
When
nerves
are
strained
to
the
"breaking
point,"
crying
will
bring
about
a
state
of
relaxation,
and
one
will
feel
better.
If
there
are
times
of
strain
when
laughter
is
utterly
impossible,
then
crying
might
even
be
beneficial.
The
effect
on
the
breathing
is
very
much
the
same
in
both
cases,
and
there
is
a
curious
similarity
in
the
action
of
the
diaphragm
and
the
mechanical
character
of
the
expulsion
of
the
breath.
Looking
tat
a
person
from
behind,
one
cannot
tell
whether
he
is
laughing
or
crying.
Both
produce
relaxation
of
the
nerves,
both
increase
the
activity
of
the
lungs,
and
both
involve
a
form
of
gymnastics
for
the
diaphragm
and
entire
breathing
apparatus.
But,
while
crying
offers
relief
from
extreme
tension
or
grief,
it
does
not
justify
crying
for
the
so-called
pleasure
derived
from
it.
Laughter
is
a
pleasure,
in
itself,
as
well
as
a
symptom
of
merriment.
It
is
the
expression
of
keen,
bounding
joy.
It
is
an
emotive
manifestation
that
stirs
one's
whole
nature
and
vitalizes
every
part
of
the
body.
There
is
a
sound,
physiological
basis
for
amusements
that
make
us
laugh.
Taking
the
world
over,
incalculable
sums
of
money
are
spent
for
amusements
that
make
us
laugh,
and
it
is
money
well
spent.
It
is
a
sound
and
healthy
instinct
that
leads
the
tired
business
man
or
the
tired
laborer
to
seek
for
mirth-provoking
recreations.
Professional
"funny
men"
like
John
Bunny
and
Charles
Chaplin
undoubtedly
add
to
the
health
of
the
human
race,
and
they
add
to
the
vitality
of
those
in
whom
they
stimulate
laughter.
I
feel
sorry
for
anyone
who
has
lost
the
power
to
laugh
freely
and
heartily.
When
a
man
has
brooded
so
much
over
the
sorrows
and
miseries
of
life
that
he
can
no
longer
laugh,
his
condition
is
indeed
serious.
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