The Next Big Idea Daily What If Laughing More Made You Better at Everything?
11 snips
Jan 14, 2026 
Chris Duffy, a comedian and author of Humor Me, dives into how laughter can enhance presence and creativity. He shares insights on how humor builds connections, even for introverts, and reveals Lincoln's secret use of laughter to foster team cohesion. Joining him are Stanford professors Jennifer Aaker and Naomi Bagdonas, who discuss humor's transformative power in business and its positive effects on leadership and engagement. They also explore how to cultivate laughter in daily life to live with less regret.
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Relatable Mess Beats Perfect Image
- People prefer high performers who also show relatable flaws rather than perfect strangers.
- Chris Duffy says openly acknowledging and laughing at your imperfections enhances likability and success.
Curiosity Starts With 'That's Funny'
- Noticing something 'funny' can trigger serious scientific inquiry and breakthroughs.
- Chris Duffy cites Alexander Fleming and the Ig Nobel mindset: laugh first, investigate second.
Laughter Builds Team Identity
- Shared laughter builds group identity and reduces aggression, even among rivals.
- Chris Duffy points to Abraham Lincoln and primate laughter as evidence humor unites teams.
