Nonsense wakes up the brain cells. And it helps develop a sense of humor, which is awfully important in this day and age.

Geisel defends “nonsense” not as empty frivolity but as a mental stimulant: playful illogic forces readers to make unexpected connections, stretching attention, language, and imagination. In children’s literature, this kind of absurdity can be a training ground for flexible thinking—learning to tolerate ambiguity, delight in surprise, and approach problems from odd angles. The second sentence links that cognitive play to emotional resilience: humor becomes a practical tool for coping with modern pressures and anxieties. The quote thus frames Seussian whimsy as purposeful—an education in creativity and in the humane capacity to laugh, which can soften dogmatism and keep the mind open.