Changes

48:4.17 The higher the [[mortal]] [[species]], the greater the [[stress]] and the greater the [[capacity]] for [[humor]] as well as the [[necessity]] for it. In the [[spirit]] world the [[opposite]] is true: The higher we [[ascend]], the less the need for the diversions of reversion [[experiences]]. But proceeding down the [[scale]] of [[spirit]] life from [[Paradise]] to the [[seraphic hosts]], there is an increasing need for the mission of mirth and the [[ministry]] of merriment. Those [[beings]] who most need the refreshment of [[periodic]] reversion to the [[intellectual]] [[status]] of previous [[experiences]] are the higher [[types]] of the [[human]] [[species]], the [[morontian]]s, [[angels]], and the [[Material Sons]], [[together]] with all similar [[types]] of [[personality]].

48:4.17 The higher the [[mortal]] [[species]], the greater the [[stress]] and the greater the [[capacity]] for [[humor]] as well as the [[necessity]] for it. In the [[spirit]] world the [[opposite]] is true: The higher we [[ascend]], the less the need for the diversions of reversion [[experiences]]. But proceeding down the [[scale]] of [[spirit]] life from [[Paradise]] to the [[seraphic hosts]], there is an increasing need for the mission of mirth and the [[ministry]] of merriment. Those [[beings]] who most need the refreshment of [[periodic]] reversion to the [[intellectual]] [[status]] of previous [[experiences]] are the higher [[types]] of the [[human]] [[species]], the [[morontian]]s, [[angels]], and the [[Material Sons]], [[together]] with all similar [[types]] of [[personality]].

48:4.18 [[Humor]] should [[function]] as an [[automatic]] safety valve to prevent the building up of excessive [[pressures]] due to the [[monotony]] of [[sustained]] and serious [[self]]-[[contemplation]] in [[association]] with the [[intense]] [[struggle]] for [[developmental]] [[progress]] and [[noble]] [[achievement]]. [[Humor]] also [[functions]] to lessen the shock of the unexpected [[impact]] of [[fact]] or of [[truth]], rigid unyielding [[fact]] and [[flexible]] ever-living [[truth]]. The [[mortal]] [[personality]], never sure as to which will next be encountered, through [[humor]] swiftly grasps—sees the point and achieves [[insight]]—the unexpected [[nature]] of the situation be it [[fact]] or be it [[truth]].

48:4.18 [[Humor]] should [[function]] as an [[automatic]] safety valve to prevent the building up of excessive [[pressures]] due to the monotony of [[sustained]] and serious [[self]]-[[contemplation]] in [[association]] with the [[intense]] [[struggle]] for [[developmental]] [[progress]] and [[noble]] [[achievement]]. [[Humor]] also [[functions]] to lessen the shock of the unexpected [[impact]] of [[fact]] or of [[truth]], rigid unyielding [[fact]] and [[flexible]] ever-living [[truth]]. The [[mortal]] [[personality]], never sure as to which will next be encountered, through [[humor]] swiftly grasps—sees the point and achieves [[insight]]—the unexpected [[nature]] of the situation be it [[fact]] or be it [[truth]].

48:4.19 While the [[humor]] of [[Urantia]] is exceedingly [[Primitive|crude]] and most inartistic, it does serve a valuable [[purpose]] both as a [[health]] insurance and as a [[liberator]] of [[emotional]] [[pressure]], thus preventing injurious [[nervous]] [[tension]] and overserious [[self]]-[[contemplation]]. [[Humor]] and [[play]]—[[relaxation]]—are never [[reactions]] of [[progressive]] exertion; always are they the [[echoes]] of a backward glance, a [[reminiscence]] of the [[past]]. Even on [[Urantia]] and as you now are, you always find it rejuvenating when for a short time you can suspend the exertions of the newer and higher [[intellectual]] [[efforts]] and revert to the more simple engagements of your [[ancestors]].

48:4.19 While the [[humor]] of [[Urantia]] is exceedingly [[Primitive|crude]] and most inartistic, it does serve a valuable [[purpose]] both as a [[health]] insurance and as a [[liberator]] of [[emotional]] [[pressure]], thus preventing injurious [[nervous]] [[tension]] and overserious [[self]]-[[contemplation]]. [[Humor]] and [[play]]—[[relaxation]]—are never [[reactions]] of [[progressive]] exertion; always are they the [[echoes]] of a backward glance, a [[reminiscence]] of the [[past]]. Even on [[Urantia]] and as you now are, you always find it rejuvenating when for a short time you can suspend the exertions of the newer and higher [[intellectual]] [[efforts]] and revert to the more simple engagements of your [[ancestors]].