The feeling of laughing so hard that breathing seems impossible is a common one. Additionally, in today’s texting lingo, “I’m dying” has become synonymous with “I find that particularly hilarious.” What happens, however, when those figurative words become literal? Enter: Chrysippus.
Chrysippus of Soli was an ancient Greek philosopher who focused mainly on logic and physics. For example, he believed in deterministic fate, while arguing for freedom through logical thought and reason. Tragically, his writings only exist in fragments today, so there is not a complete picture of his work. However, there is an existing account of his death, and it is iconic.
According to Diogenes Laërtius, there are two accounts of Chrysippus’ death at the age of 73. The first is that he “became giddy” after drinking wine that was undiluted with water. The second account, however, is more interesting. According to this account, after he had the wine, Chrysippus saw a donkey eating figs, said “Now give the ass a drink of pure wine to wash down the figs,” and found this all so funny that he literally laughed until he died.
I’m guessing it was a “you had to be there” kind of funny.
References:
General Info:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysippus
Details:
History on the Bridge 