“Laughter is powerless over death, that much is true, but maybe it has some power over life.”
— Ricardo Araújo Pereira
In Sickness, Suffering, and Death Walk into a Bar, Ricardo Araújo Pereira explores the essence of humor—what makes it work, why it matters, and how it transcends boundaries. Drawing from sources like the Bible, political science, rhetoric, and the history and philosophy of humor, Pereira dissects comedic strategies with brilliance and wit. He connects figures such as Charlie Chaplin and Jacques Tati, Machado de Assis and Franz Kafka, Fernando Pessoa and Mark Twain, and even the Bible and Greek mythology, demonstrating that humor is a universal art form understood across linguistic, regional, and political divides.
Taking a humanistic approach, Pereira showcases his vast knowledge of humor through deep analysis and insightful theories. While Sickness, Suffering, and Death Walk into a Bar won’t teach you to write Pereira-level jokes, it offers a fascinating look at comedy's anatomy, leaving readers with a profound appreciation for its power and complexity.
Since the early 2000s, Pereira has been a beloved humorist in Portugal, amassing a loyal fanbase. His career evolved from communication and media to journalism and scriptwriting for renowned comedians. He became a household name with Gato Fedorento (Smelly Cat), a comedy show that gained a cult following and solidified Pereira as its standout star.
After Gato Fedorento ended its five-year run, Pereira continued to expand his comedic influence. He wrote humorous columns for Brazilian and Portuguese newspapers, created social media content, and participated in political debates—all while maintaining his absurdist, satirical, and playful style of humor. His dedication to finding outlets for his creativity has made him one of the most versatile voices in comedy today.
"This is my hypothesis: humor, or a sense of humor, is, in truth, a special way of looking at things and thinking about them. It’s rare, not because it is the gift offered only to a chosen few, but because this way of seeing and reasoning is quite different from what is conventional—sometimes it's just the opposite. Most people are not interested in relating to the world that way, or they can’t afford that luxury. We are trained to know what things are, not to waste time investigating what they seem to be, or what they could be."
— Ricardo Araújo Pereira
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