Dr Seuss.
An American institution.
Creator of the ugliest cartoon character in the history of cartoon characters.
Author of books that inspired and inspire millions of kids all around the World.
Creator of the movie that gave Mike Myers another pay day, despite the fact the last time he was funny was in Wayne’s World.
And I mean the first Wayne’s World … not the sequel.
While I read his books as a kid, it was never my favourite. As far as I was concerned, the Mr Men characters pissed all over The Cat In The Hat … and not just because my Mum went on to inspire Roger Hargreaves to write the ‘Little Ms’ series.
That’s true by the way and we have the original drawing from Roger Hargreaves to prove it.
But recently I saw something Dr Seuss wrote that I thought was fantastic.
Yes, it could have come straight from one of his books.
Yes, it’s got the potential to be utterly twee.
Yes, it’s obvious as hell.
But all that aside, I just like his articulation of why it makes sense to have a sense of humour.
I like it.
I like “if you can see things out of whack, you can see how things can be in whack” .
I think that has implications for we should look at politics, business and life itself.
Of course recognising what is/isn’t ‘in whack’ is only part of the deal … doing something about it when something needs doing is the other essential ingredient … but I like the idea that humour is more than just a moment of enjoyment, but the recognition of individuals who see the possibility to make things better by recognising – and laughing at – what is wrong.