“A person without a sense of humor is like a wagon without springs. It’s jolted by every pebble in the road.”
Henry Ward Beecher, the early nineteenth century American Congregational Clergy, and Public Speaker gave us these words of wisdom that shall continue to ring true until eternity. Digging deeper into the life of this superbly gifted orator, we find that he “emphasized God’s love rather than God’s punishment, also using his position to advocate abolitionism while encouraging churchgoers to buy freedom for enslaved individuals.”
How can one ever dispute the significance of true leadership coming from a seasoned Statesman and Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in the Second World War?
“A sense of humor is part of the art of leadership, of getting along with people, of getting things done.”
The late 34th President of the United States, (1953 to 1961), “brought the Presidency his prestige as commanding general of the victorious forces in Europe during World War II, Dwight D. Eisenhower obtained a truce.”.
Sam Walton, known for building a single franchise store into the world’s largest company, Wal-Mart, had this to say about humor:
“Celebrate your success and find humor in your failures. Do not take yourself so seriously. Loosen up, and everyone around you will loosen up. Have fun and always show enthusiasm. When all else fails, put on a costume and sing a silly song.”
Here is yet another notable quote from a widely popular individual named Mordillo:
“After God created the world, He made man and woman. Then, to keep the whole thing from collapsing, He invented humor.”
Guillermo Mordillo (born August 4, 1932), known only as Mordillo, is an Argentinian creator of cartoons and animations and was one of the most widely published cartoonists of the 1970s.
Looking at the above treasure-trove of statements supporting the significance of humor in our life it is hard for someone to survive the continuous onslaught of distractions in a day’s work. More often than not, humor acts as a magnet that pulls like-minded people together.
Looking at the above treasure-trove of statements supporting the significance of humor in our life it is hard for someone to survive the continuous onslaught of distractions in a day’s work. More often than not, humor acts as a magnet that pulls like-minded people together. It is little wonder that light banter combined with some humor help people get out of tricky situations. Those desirous of seeking proof of this statement are always welcome to study storytellers use both these tools to their fullest advantage.
“Good humor is one of the preservatives of our peace and tranquility.”
The power of humor is much easier to gauge with the help of the above quote from one of the most remarkable leaders that claimed his right to live in the minds of his people until eternity. “Thomas Jefferson, a spokesman for democracy, was an American Founding Father, the principal author of the Declaration of Independence (1776), and the third President of the United States (1801–1809).”
“A keen sense of humor helps us to overlook the unbecoming, understand the unconventional, tolerated the unpleasant, overcome the unexpected, and outlast the unbearable.”
These are the words of Late Billy Graham. “He was an American evangelist, a prominent evangelical Christian figure, and an ordained Southern Baptist minister who became well known internationally in the late 1940s.” Source: Wikipedia
I am sure many of the readers will be wondering about mastering this art. You might want to know if it is inborn or an acquired skill? Can we learn more about using this technique to defuse situations where other attempts fail? The answer is readily available in the following quote from David Seabury:
“Good humor isn’t a trait of character; it is an art which requires practice.”
Another excellent source of humor is present in these words: “Humor comes from self-confidence” by a well-known authority: Rita Mae Brown. She is the New York Times bestselling author of the Mrs. Murphy mystery series. Source:
Hugh Sidey, an American journalist, working for ‘Life’ magazine and later for ‘Time’ gave us a profound meaning related to the importance of humor in everyday life:
“A sense of humor… is needed armor. Joy in one’s heart and some laughter on one’s lips is a sign that the person down deep has a pretty good grasp of life.”
Last, but not the least, I must mention this all-important quote from William Makepeace Thackeray, the 19th Century British novelist and author, known for his satirical work ‘Vanity Fair’ where he presented to the world a panoramic portrait of English society:
“Good humor is one of the best articles of dress one can wear in society.”
An appropriate dose of humor helps us get relief from stress. Not only that, humor used in anecdotes helps build bridges between people with differences of opinion. It gives everyone involved a chance to look at a given situation with a different perspective and thus become amenable. At times, use of good humor helps us make our point with least resistance and without annoying the opposite side. It supports both parties to find common ground.
Based upon all the above quotes and the message so propounded by these outstanding personalities, it shall not be difficult for us to start reinventing ourselves with a dab of humor. I am sure the readers of this article would undoubtedly find similarities to certain situations they must have come across in their own lives as well where little humor worked wonders. On that note, I shall be keenly looking forward to your valuable feedback or critique, because I do not have the mind that minds!
Thank You!
Without a smile life may be burdensome yet with a smile we walk boldly to a better way of living. Great post my friend.
Great article. I know it holds me in good stead through the roller coaster ride we call life.
Smiling, even of their own difficulties, allows you to face adversities and daily challenges with greater serenity. The use of humor in the current business environment, characterized by complexity, uncertainty and speed of change, reduces tensions, increases the ability to solve problems, increases productivity and facilitates team spirit. Humor proves to be an important competence attitude and even in conflict management it seems to be a precious ally. A message proposed in a humorous manner, in fact, is perceived as less aggressive, while keeping intact its original meaning. Humor proves to be effective also in negotiation: a request or a change is more likely to be accepted if offered in a humorous way.
Coming from a person of your intellect, Dear Aldo, these words make even more sense. Your vast experience transcends itself in the manner you have emphasized the significance of humor in our daily lives.
Thanks a lot, with Warm Regards
Bharat, that’s awfully good of you!