The Great Clown Robin Williams

Heard joke once: Man goes to doctor. Says he’s depressed. Says life seems harsh and cruel. Says he feels all alone in a threatening world where what lies ahead is vague and uncertain. Doctor says, “Treatment is simple. Great clown Pagliacci is in town tonight. Go and see him. That should pick you up.” Man bursts into tears. Says, “But doctor… I am Pagliacci. // Alan Moore, Watchmen

The problem with laughter as the best medicine is that the so-called best doctors, the comedians, will never be able to cure themselves, not really anyways. “The show” is never as magical for the entertainers and stagehands; it’s planned, rehearsed… tirelessly perfected to the effect of magic, i.e. medicine. And once you become a great entertainer or stagehand you’re never anything but; you’re never deceived, never not in on the trick, and thus never fully cured, if only for a moment. #RIPtoTheGreatClownRobinWilliams