I think laughter may be a form of courage. . . . As humans we sometimes stand tall and look into the sun and laugh, and I think we are never more brave than when we do that.

Linda Ellerbee links laughter to courage rather than lightness. She pictures people standing tall, staring straight into the sun, and laughing anyway, calling that instant one of bravery's clearest forms. The comparison suggests that humor can be a way of facing something overwhelming head-on.

Context reviewed 24 September 2026