What does Larry David mean by the comedy rule “no hugging, no learning”?

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Larry David wearing glasses, a gray shirt, striped tie, and dark suit jacket, smiling at the camera. — Larry David Larry David, 2008.

Larry David's comedy rule of "no hugging, no learning" means that his characters do not typically engage in physical affection or undergo significant personal growth or moral development throughout a story. This approach is a hallmark of his shows, particularly Curb Your Enthusiasm, where characters often find themselves in socially awkward situations and remain largely unchanged by their experiences. This contrasts with many traditional narratives where characters learn lessons and evolve. David's style, which he also applied to Seinfeld, focuses on the often-unlikable but strangely endearing nature of his protagonists.12