Inexplicably Funny

No one knows why cats look so funny when they climb ladders, but they do.  The same can be said of them as Dr. Johnson said about women preaching:  “… is like a dog’s walking on his hinder legs.  It is not done well; but you are surprised to find it done at all.”  Well, except for that last bit – it’s never surprising to find a cat climbing whatever is available…but in the case of ladders, “it is not done well.”  Doesn’t seem to fit with the natural coordination of their limbs.

With regard to the Johnson quote, yes it’s terribly misogynistic, but, 1760’s.  Not surprising to find it done, so it’s refreshing when it’s done well.  Actually my favorite Johnson observation is the one in which he noted that second marriages represent “the triumph of hope over experience.”  Quite the cynical old codge he was – truly a man after my own heart.