Based on the provided reference, yes, laughing is considered close to crying in certain fundamental ways, despite having symmetrical differences.
According to the reference, both laughing and crying are described as eruptive expressions. Furthermore, they occur in a specific type of situation. As sociologist Helmut Plessner writes, "We laugh and cry only in situations for which there is no other answer." This highlights a significant point of closeness – they serve as responses when typical reactions are insufficient.
However, the reference also points out that while they are close in these fundamental aspects, they are also symmetrical in their execution and focus.
Key Similarities & Differences Between Laughing and Crying
While sharing the characteristic of being eruptive and occurring in specific emotional or situational contexts, laughing and crying exhibit distinct symmetrical differences:
- Eruptive Nature: Both are sudden, forceful emotional releases.
- Situational Occurrence: Both happen in moments where, as Plessner notes, there is "no other answer."
| Feature | Laughing | Crying |
|---|---|---|
| Start of Breath | Begins with an exhalation | Begins by inhaling |
| Direction/Focus | Turns toward others | Turns the weeper in on himself |
These symmetrical aspects differentiate the way they manifest and their social orientation, but their shared eruptive nature and occurrence in specific, otherwise unanswerable situations highlight a fundamental closeness.
