Though laughter became an emergent theme in Christian asceticism one
of the earliest systematic treatises on the topic was not written in a
monastic context but for the city life in an Egyptian metropolis. The
treatise was composed by Clement of Alexandria in his work Paedagogus
(2.5) around the year 195 CE in order to instruct his students in their
social setting. The immediate context for Clement's instruction were the
symposia of the upper class; both the social and historical aspects of
which have been carefully analysed by Stephen Halliwell in his book
Greek Laughter (2008). However, Halliwell limits his discussion to
partying and controlling the body. In my paper I will provide a context
for Clement’s theory on laughter that goes beyond banquets and body. We
should see Clement's view in the context of his theory of emotions and
deification, themes that he elaborates extensively in his writing.
Excessive laughter should be avoided (Paed. 2.7.56) whereas Clement
considers moderate laughing to be a sign of self control (Paed. 2.5.46).
This should be seen in the framework of his theory of controlling
passions: “We become like God in relation to virtue” (Paed. 1.12.99).
Clement sees Christ as the healer of unnatural passions that disturb the
soul (Paed. 1.2.6). Thus within this framework Clement’s reflections on
laughing should be seen as a part of his educational program which aims
to achieve a respected social behaviour based on the likeness of God
and freedom of emotions.
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