The book is a scientific interdisciplinary monograph on laughter and humor. Anthropological, ethological, psychological, neurophysiological, linguistic, semiotic and philosophical aspects of these phenomena are discussed. An extensive summary of the latest facts and views is presented. Based on the synthesis of data from various disciplines, a new theory of laughter is proposed. The book is intended not only for specialists in relevant fields, but also for everyone who is interested in human behavior and the problem of the biocultural essence of man.