A sense of humor keen enough to show a man his own absurdities will keep him from the commission of all sins, or nearly all, save those worth committing.

Most of the harm people do requires taking themselves very seriously. Cruelty, pomposity and self-deception all need a straight face to survive. If you can see how ridiculous you look while defending your own importance, the impulse tends to lose its grip. The joke does not excuse you; it just makes the pose harder to hold.

Next time you feel your dignity rising, try picturing the scene from across the room. Ask what a fond, unimpressed friend would find funny about it. Keep the laughter aimed at yourself rather than at anyone else, since humor turned outward becomes another way of being self-important.