Basically fundamentalism is a modern phenomenon. In the same way that Hitler evoked a mythological religion of German purity and the glory of the past the Islamists use religion to evoke emotions and passions in people who have been oppressed for a long time in order to reach their purpose.
I love people who make me laugh. I honestly think it's the thing I like most to laugh. It cures a multitude of ills. It's probably the most important thing in a person.