CanTeach asks...

What is the meaning of "He laughs best who laughs last"?

I've never really liked that statement, cuz it seems to imply that the one who laughs best/last, is doing so at another's expense. Like it had been a battle of wills, or insults, or tricks, or what not. That doesn't seem to be in keeping with the common edict of harm none, the golden rule, karma, etc.

Having said all that, I am guilty of laughing at inappropriate times, places, and such. Usually it isn't at anyone else's expense tho. But sometimes, it has been. I'm not too proud of myself at those moments. At the very least, I'm honest.