The Buddha’s sense of irony, the arahant’s sense of irony, is simply seeing that the world is so dumb: The things that people want most are the very things that make them suffer most.

"The Buddha’s sense of irony, the arahant’s sense of irony, is simply seeing that the world is so dumb: The things that people want most are the very things that make them suffer most. For a long time, before their awakening, the arahants had been doing that sort of thing as well. This is why when they laugh at this tendency, it’s not a harsh laugh. They know what it’s like; they’ve been there themselves. But they were able to step back and see the foolishness. And in seeing the foolishness, that’s when you let go."

~ Thanissaro Bhikkhu "Infinite Good Humor"

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