Towards a universal theory of laughter-and-humor that does justice to its varied expressions across cultures and age groups. We discuss its physiological mechanisms, cognitive structure, social functions, aesthetic possibilities, religious significance, spiritual value, philosophical challenge, and its mode of insertion into the semiotics of culture. Starting with the bisociative theory as developed by Gurdjieff, Koestler, Abhinavagupta and Sunthar Visuvalingam, this collaborative online investigation seeks to be all-embracing - so even (wanna-be) clowns are welcome! physiology: safety-valve psychology: cognition: bisociation, incongruity sociology: enhanced self-esteem, social censure aesthetics: humor versus laughter clown: trickster semiotics: research: LaughLab