Humour is an innate thing that all humans have. But what is it? And why do we have it? This is a question that is so difficult to answer that psychologists, neuroscientists and philosophers.

What?
The two definitions of humour are: the quality of being amusing or comic, especially as expressed in literature or speech; and a mood or state of mind. But these two definitions are not enough to capture the complexity of humour. 

Why?

There have are many theories as to where humour came from. A few examples are:the Superiority theory dating back to Plato, Aristotle, and Hobbes which is that people find humour in ridiculing and laughing at the misfortunes of other people, and earlier versions of themselves, because of feeling superior; the Relief theory which states that laughter allows people to release nervous energy ;and the theory of incongruity which is our reaction to things that defy our perception of how we see things. Not to mention the evolutionary role humour has as it is seen in every society, inculuding rats.

As well as brightening up our day, humour and laughter can guard us against depression, improves your heart health and energy levels, boost your pain tolreance, relieve stress and improve our overall quality of life. Research has also showed that people who score highly in certain types of humour have more control over anxiety, a better self-esteem, a more positive affect, a better performane in social interactions, and greater self-competency.