When did laughter become part of our universe? Were we the first planet to have a sense of humour? What was the first joke? Was it made by a chimpanzee or a crow?

These are just a few of the questions erstwhile comedian Robin Ince considers in The Future of Jokes, bringing in elements from science, technology, politics, philosophy and culture to probe just why we need jokes. What can they teach us about ourselves and our future?

Comedy means different things to different people: it can be an act of rebellion, and it can be an act of reinforcing the status quo. It can be expression and it can be repression. Joke-telling is about authenticity and connection Ince argues, and artistic creativity makes us human. We can choose to share love and connection via jokes or spread ugliness and outrage. Which future do we want?