Wise Stubb on Laughter

The wisdom of Stubb: "Because a laugh's the wisest, easiest answer to all that's queer; and come what will, one comfort's always left--that unfailing comfort is, it's all predestinated. . . . Well, Stubb, wise Stubb--that's my title--well, Stubb, what of it, Stubb? Here's a carcase. I know not all that may be coming, but be it what it will, I'll go to it laughing" (Herman Melville, Moby Dick, 168).