A few months ago, I wrote on St. Benedict's Rule against laughter. Some readers responded that they thought this was extreme. Actually, the nuns taught us that as girls and women we were not to laugh out loud, but smile quietly if appropriate. It was a sign of a lady, but then my education was of the finishing school type, which I wish would come back.
Recently, being around some young women who were plainly laughing too loudly in front of young men, I realized the wisdom of his statement for the laity even more than before.
There is nothing wrong with smiling and laughing is a subdued way.
But, too much of what is laughter falls into these categories.
One, sarcasm which mostly is sinful. This is not the same as wit, but negative and hurtful.
Two, flirting, which is a sin.
Three, laughing at the expense of others.
Four, folly, which includes laughing at rude or unbecoming speech.
Five, just plain silliness or foolishness, which is a waste of time and energy.
Six, gossipy laughter, again a sin.
Seven, laughter which is cynical and against rules and regulations which are fair and good. This is serious. Cynicism is also a great sin and reveals a lack of humility and purity of heart. To be cynical is to lack Faith.
Eight, laughter can be connected to slander and other sins, such as deceit or a lack of charity in speech towards a person or persons. Calumny also may be sometimes connected to laughter and derision.
Nine, the private joke is too often a sign of pride, even among cliques. This is obvious.
Ten, loud laughter is just plain rude, but society has almost forgotten good breeding and manners.
The tenth step of humility is that he should not be ready and quick to laughter, for it is written, “The fool raises his voice in laughter".
