--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: If you would not be laughed at, be the…" description: "\"If you would not be laughed at, be the first to laugh at yourself.\" — Benjamin Franklin" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/444/benjamin-franklin-65_comedy_if-you-would-not-be-laughed-at-be-the-fi_521251.png" --- # If you would not be laughed at, be the first to laugh at… ![“If you would not be laughed at, be the first to laugh at yourself.” quote by Benjamin Franklin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/444/benjamin-franklin-65_comedy_if-you-would-not-be-laughed-at-be-the-fi_521251.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/444/benjamin-franklin-65_comedy_if-you-would-not-be-laughed-at-be-the-fi_521251.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/444/benjamin-franklin-65_comedy_if-you-would-not-be-laughed-at-be-the-fi_521251.png) > “If you would not be laughed at, be the first to laugh at yourself.” [Benjamin Franklin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/benjamin-franklin/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Humor about self‑deprecation protects you from others' ridicule. **In simple terms:** Laugh at yourself first to avoid being laughed at. Key Takeaway Embrace self‑mockery. Themes humor self‑acceptance resilience Mood lighthearted confident Type advice philosophical When to use this quote - public speaking - social media - team meetings - conflict resolution Key Concepts psychology defense mechanisms social dynamics Questions to Reflect On - Do you use humor to deflect criticism? - When is self‑mockery harmful? A Different Perspective May encourage dismissiveness of genuine criticism. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Comedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/comedy/) [Happiness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/happiness/) [Joy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/joy/) [Laugh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/laugh/) [Laugh at yourself](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/laugh-at-yourself/) [Laughter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/laughter/) ## Related quotes > [Look in the mirror, and laugh at yourself.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bernie-glassman/look-in-the-mirror-and-laugh-at-yourself/) [Bernie Glassman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bernie-glassman/) > [Laugh at yourself for man is most comical when he takes himself too seriously.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/og-mandino/laugh-at-yourself-for-man-is-most-comical-when-he-takes-himself-too/) [Og Mandino](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/og-mandino/) > [If you can laugh at yourself, you are going to be fine. 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