Martin Hobek explores the decline of humor in new book

Martin Hobek’s book explores the decline of humor, suggesting that humor may perish even before hope does. The work is described as neither a mere collection of jokes nor a dry academic study, but rather a multifaceted examination of the subject.

Hobek incorporates various aspects of the topic, including gelotology—the study of the effects of laughter on humans—and investigates the relationship between German identity and humor. The text features prominent self-critical voices to demonstrate that humor exists across various regions, including areas north of the Weisswurstäquator and east of the Oder and Neisse rivers.