Self-Deprecating Humor as Disarmament

“One of Churchill’s best targets for his humor was himself. In 1944, when asked not to repeat mistakes made after the First World War, he replied, “I am sure that the mistakes of that time will not be repeated; we shall probably make another set of mistakes.””

“The expressions “Medal-hunter” and “Self-advertiser” were used from time to time . . . in a manner which would, I am sure, surprise and pain the readers of these notes. It is melancholy to be forced to record these less amiable aspects of human nature, which by a most curious and indeed unaccountable coincidence have always seemed to present themselves in the wake of my innocent footsteps.”