Video: Michael Connell on Stoic comedy
How to be a funny Stoic
Several years ago I became aware of Australian comedian Michel Connell. Since he began performing stand up in high school, Michael has worked in just about every corner of the Australian comedy industry. Telling jokes on Australia’s Got Talent and other TV programs, hosting breakfast radio, performing sell out shows in the Melbourne Comedy Festival, and appearing at all the best comedy clubs in the country are just a few of Michael’s achievements as a funny man.
But the one that struck me as most interesting, philosophically speaking, is that some of his routines are based on a pretty thorough understanding of Stoic philosophy, which Michael actually practices in his off-stage life. Just to give you a taste, here is a short video he did several years ago to help us celebrate Stoic Week (you can find a whole playlist here):
I decided to interview Michael about his comedy and philosophy of life, so here is our conversation:
Seneca complained about noise! How human…I forget which letter it is, but I still giggle about it sometimes. I learned to laugh late in life. It didn’t come easily, since I was raised in a household where the mood was dark and laughter was unheard. Stoicism allows me to laugh 😹
I’ve just spent all night watching Michael’s shows. He makes Stoicism seem so simple. I love it! So glad you interviewed him so I get to see a bit more of him off the stage, which is not all that different. Actually I think Seneca is pretty hilarious too. In one letter he complained about his wife getting a fool who he didn’t care much for, because “if I need to look at a fool, I just need to look at myself.”