Laiks. Mīlestība. Smiekli

This article describes and comments on the notions of time, love and laughter. When thinking about the eras and their characteristics, initially there is a hypothesis that time, love and laughter are self-sufficiently functioning phenomena that cannot be subdued by mind or artificially created and socialized. However, during this study it was concluded that the understanding and interpretation of these phenomena is significantly influenced by the traditions, values and morality of the era. The article accentuates the subjective nature of love and laughter. But this raises the question if these phenomena can be scientifically researched and if it is necessary to do that at all. Answering this question, the article deals with the studies on time classification and with insights of philosophers and psychologists on laughter and love. In the study, the author explores a less widely viewed aspect of the relationship between love and laughter and the question if love can be ridiculous. For illustration purposes, the materials from humour magazines published in Latvia in the early 19th century are employed. As a result, it is concluded that love in itself is neither tragic nor ridiculous. It all depends on how it is interpreted.