FAR OUT

The surest proof there is Intelligent Life in outer space is the fact it hasn’t come here.

What’s so funny about this? This is what they call a left handed compliment, sort of. It’s mostly based on the concept of irony which is the expression of your meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect. It’s like hearing rumors that everyone in your division at work is going to be laid off and then being told by the boss, that everything’s fine and that your jobs are safe. That kind of reassurance is “the kiss of death,” something that is bound to fail. As soon as you hear, “don’t worry, you’re safe,” you’d better get your resume in order and start looking for a new job. Believe me I’ve seen it a whole bunch of times. This is a good example of unconscious irony on the part of your boss. However, the irony in the joke is very conscious and deliberate. Humans are extremely egocentric. They used to think that the physical universe lite