---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I have found over the years that the most…"
description: "\"I have found over the years that the most important way of getting people to relax is self-deprecating humor.\" — Robert Reich"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e9a/robert-reich-1333_comedy_i-have-found-over-the-years-that-the-mos_1140476.jpg"
---

#  I have found over the years that the most important way of…

![“I have found over the years that the most important way of getting people to relax is self-deprecating humor.” quote by Robert Reich](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e9a/robert-reich-1333_comedy_i-have-found-over-the-years-that-the-mos_1140476.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e9a/robert-reich-1333_comedy_i-have-found-over-the-years-that-the-mos_1140476.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e9a/robert-reich-1333_comedy_i-have-found-over-the-years-that-the-mos_1140476.jpg)

> “I have found over the years that the most important way of getting people to relax is self-deprecating humor.”

[Robert Reich](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-reich/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Humor that pokes fun at oneself eases tension and encourages openness in others.

**In simple terms:** Self‑deprecating jokes relax people.

Key Takeaway

Use gentle self‑mockery to build rapport.

Themes

communication humor leadership

Mood

lighthearted strategic

Type

motivational practical

When to use this quote

- team meetings
- public speaking
- negotiations
- conflict resolution

Key Concepts

psychology social dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

- How can you gauge when self‑deprecation is appropriate?
- What risks does this style carry?

A Different Perspective

Humor may backfire if perceived as insincere.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Comedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/comedy/) [Humor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/humor/) [People](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/people/) [Self](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/self/) [Self deprecating](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/self-deprecating/) [Self deprecating humor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/self-deprecating-humor/)

## Related quotes

> [People love self-deprecating humor.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sarah-cooper/people-love-self-deprecating-humor/)

[Sarah Cooper](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sarah-cooper/)

> [I am incredibly self-deprecating. It stems from self-doubt.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charlie-cox/i-am-incredibly-self-deprecating-it-stems-from-self-doubt/)

[Charlie Cox](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charlie-cox/)

> [I have not taken my good looks seriously from the beginning. When I would be teased by my friends about my looks, I would…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/arjun-rampal/i-have-not-taken-my-good-looks-seriously-from-the-beginning-when-i/)

[Arjun Rampal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/arjun-rampal/)

> [My self-deprecating humor may not be as funny as I thought.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/camille-grammer/my-self-deprecating-humor-may-not-be-as-funny-as-i-thought/)

[Camille Grammer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/camille-grammer/)

> [When I did stand-up at U.C.B., and I had a blog for a couple of years that started my writing career, 'Totally Confident and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erin-foster/when-i-did-stand-up-at-u-c-b-and-i-had-a-blog-for-a-couple-of-years/)

[Erin Foster](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erin-foster/)

> [Self-deprecating humor and brutal honesty is a really freeing thing.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/margo-price/self-deprecating-humor-and-brutal-honesty-is-a-really-freeing-thing/)

[Margo Price](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/margo-price/)

> [I get that racism exists, but it's not a catalyst for my content. I don't need to talk about race to have material. My…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-hart/i-get-that-racism-exists-but-it-s-not-a-catalyst-for-my-content-i-don/)

[Kevin Hart](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-hart/)

> [I like girls who are self-deprecating. I like girls who make fun of themselves. If you can't poke fun at yourself, what are you?…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chris-evans/i-like-girls-who-are-self-deprecating-i-like-girls-who-make-fun-of/)

[Chris Evans](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chris-evans/)

> [Some of my friends and family have tried to challenge me to do jokes that aren't as self-deprecating, where I genuinely express my own…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/maria-bamford/some-of-my-friends-and-family-have-tried-to-challenge-me-to-do-jokes/)

[Maria Bamford](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/maria-bamford/)

> [When I teach the formal curriculum, I have the chance to think about it ahead of time. I can rehearse it. I can illustrate…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-ortberg/when-i-teach-the-formal-curriculum-i-have-the-chance-to-think-about/)

[John Ortberg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-ortberg/)

> [His wry sense of humour and his stalwart courage were an inspiring example to so many. His ability to laugh at Life's idiosyncrasies and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-mcleod/his-wry-sense-of-humour-and-his-stalwart-courage-were-an-inspiring/)

[John McLeod](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-mcleod/)

> [You have to maintain who you are as a person and stay true to yourself - that's my biggest moral as a human being,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/josh-hutcherson/you-have-to-maintain-who-you-are-as-a-person-and-stay-true-to/)

[Josh Hutcherson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/josh-hutcherson/)

> [Democrats, if they're smart and they're not brain-dead, are doing two things right now.They're having self-deprecating humor written for them. There was no humor…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mark-shields/democrats-if-they-re-smart-and-they-re-not-brain-dead-are-doing-two/)

[Mark Shields](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mark-shields/)

> [Before you can be all deprecating it's helpful to be self-deprecating.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jeff-ross/before-you-can-be-all-deprecating-it-s-helpful-to-be-self-deprecating/)

[Jeff Ross](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jeff-ross/)

> [I'm all about being self-deprecating because I think it's hilarious.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ian-harding/i-m-all-about-being-self-deprecating-because-i-think-it-s-hilarious/)

[Ian Harding](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ian-harding/)

## More by Robert Reich

> [The Democratic Party is DEAD.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-reich/the-democratic-party-is-dead/)

[Robert Reich](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-reich/)

> [During three decades from 1947 to 1977, the nation implemented what might be called a basic bargain with American workers. Employers paid them enough…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-reich/during-three-decades-from-1947-to-1977-the-nation-implemented-what/)

[Robert Reich](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-reich/)

> [A leader is someone who steps back from the entire system and tries to build a more collaborative, more innovative system that will work…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-reich/a-leader-is-someone-who-steps-back-from-the-entire-system-and-tries/)

[Robert Reich](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-reich/)

> [The faith that anyone could move from rags to riches - with enough guts and gumption, hard work and nose to the grindstone -…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-reich/the-faith-that-anyone-could-move-from-rags-to-riches-with-enough-guts/)

[Robert Reich](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-reich/)

> [If you give up on politics, you're giving up on democracy. And if you give up on democracy, you're basically saying to the moneyed…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-reich/if-you-give-up-on-politics-you-re-giving-up-on-democracy-and-if-you/)

[Robert Reich](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-reich/)

> [Given that ever-broadening array of options and alternatives, as consumers and investors, we are often bewildered. We need guidance. That's where today's brands come…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-reich/given-that-ever-broadening-array-of-options-and-alternatives-as/)

[Robert Reich](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-reich/)

> [I knew Hillary Clinton from undergraduate days and was enormously impressed with her. She was a terrific energy and enthusiasm, and a great organizer.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-reich/i-knew-hillary-clinton-from-undergraduate-days-and-was-enormously/)

[Robert Reich](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-reich/)

> [Public employees should have the right to bargain for better wages and working conditions, just like all employees do.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-reich/public-employees-should-have-the-right-to-bargain-for-better-wages/)

[Robert Reich](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-reich/)

> [Limits should be placed on how big big banks can become.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-reich/limits-should-be-placed-on-how-big-big-banks-can-become/)

[Robert Reich](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-reich/)

> [Every organization, no matter who it is, just follow the money.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-reich/every-organization-no-matter-who-it-is-just-follow-the-money/)

[Robert Reich](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-reich/)

> [Community colleges are great bargains. They avoid the fancy amenities four-year liberal arts colleges need in order to lure the children of the middle…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-reich/community-colleges-are-great-bargains-they-avoid-the-fancy-amenities/)

[Robert Reich](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-reich/)

> [Any bank that is too big to fail is too big. Period.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-reich/any-bank-that-is-too-big-to-fail-is-too-big-period/)

[Robert Reich](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-reich/)

> [Today, for good or ill, people are thinking about many social problems from the standpoint of their own kitchen tables. I think the way…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-reich/today-for-good-or-ill-people-are-thinking-about-many-social-problems/)

[Robert Reich](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-reich/)

> [There's sort of a chilling effect on non-profits and the media and a lot of other places because the establishment is so powerful. That's…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-reich/there-s-sort-of-a-chilling-effect-on-non-profits-and-the-media-and-a/)

[Robert Reich](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-reich/)

> [We already have an annual wealth tax on homes, the major asset of the middle class. It's called the property tax. Why not a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-reich/we-already-have-an-annual-wealth-tax-on-homes-the-major-asset-of-the/)

[Robert Reich](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-reich/)

[Explore all 255 Robert Reich quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-reich/)

## More Comedy quotes

> ['Mad TV' is one of my most favorite shows of all time and is a huge part of my obsession with sketch comedy.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shane-dawson/mad-tv-is-one-of-my-most-favorite-shows-of-all-time-and-is-a-huge/)

[Shane Dawson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shane-dawson/)

> [You can laugh at me, but I understand show business.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ksenia-sobchak/you-can-laugh-at-me-but-i-understand-show-business/)

[Ksenia Sobchak](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ksenia-sobchak/)

> [Joking about violence is not funny.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/perez-hilton/joking-about-violence-is-not-funny/)

[Perez Hilton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/perez-hilton/)

> [I wouldn't want people to laugh at me. That's why I have to give all that I can, and at least produce something that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zhao-wei/i-wouldn-t-want-people-to-laugh-at-me-that-s-why-i-have-to-give-all/)

[Zhao Wei](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zhao-wei/)

> [“Our world will not die as a result of the bomb, as the papers say, it will die of laughter, of banality, of making a joke…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/carlos-ruiz-zafon/our-world-will-not-die-as-a-result-of-the-bomb-as-the-papers-say-it/)

[Carlos Ruiz Zafon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/carlos-ruiz-zafon/)

> [I've been funny my whole life. This is a gift God gave me.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tracy-morgan/i-ve-been-funny-my-whole-life-this-is-a-gift-god-gave-me/)

[Tracy Morgan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tracy-morgan/)

> [“Laugh and grow strong”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ignatius-of-loyola/laugh-and-grow-strong/)

[Ignatius of Loyola](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ignatius-of-loyola/)

> [In the future, I would like to do more films with contemporary themes. Perhaps comedy, which is something I have done in theater but…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/luke-evans/in-the-future-i-would-like-to-do-more-films-with-contemporary-themes/)

[Luke Evans](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/luke-evans/)

> [That's something a lot of folks don't know about me - I'm pretty darn funny.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-jai-white/that-s-something-a-lot-of-folks-don-t-know-about-me-i-m-pretty-darn/)

[Michael Jai White](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-jai-white/)

> [I have that need in me, I want everyone to love me, but I'm embarrassed by that need, so I wanted to cover it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anthony-jeselnik/i-have-that-need-in-me-i-want-everyone-to-love-me-but-i-m-embarrassed/)

[Anthony Jeselnik](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anthony-jeselnik/)

> [There's a difference between delivering real funny and just silly funny.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lil-rel-howery/there-s-a-difference-between-delivering-real-funny-and-just-silly/)

[Lil Rel Howery](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lil-rel-howery/)

> [Oh to that corkscrew, the useful tool to unlock the treasure of wit, the treasury of laughter, the front door of fellowship, and the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andrew-guzaldo/oh-to-that-corkscrew-the-useful-tool-to-unlock-the-treasure-of-wit/)

[Andrew Guzaldo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andrew-guzaldo/)

> [“Men circle like bees around honey, buzzing to communicate their sexual despair.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/carla-h-krueger/men-circle-like-bees-around-honey-buzzing-to-communicate-their-sexual/)

[Carla H Krueger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/carla-h-krueger/)

> [I do love to laugh!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/teresa-giudice/i-do-love-to-laugh/)

[Teresa Giudice](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/teresa-giudice/)

> [I really enjoy making people laugh; I've discovered that's a great technique. That's as powerful as stirring their sorrow, stirring their compassion, because that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/max-lucado/i-really-enjoy-making-people-laugh-i-ve-discovered-that-s-a-great/)

[Max Lucado](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/max-lucado/)

[Browse all 19,795 Comedy quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/comedy/)

```json
{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@graph": [
        {
            "@type": "Quotation",
            "text": "I have found over the years that the most important way of getting people to relax is self-deprecating humor.",
            "creator": {
                "@type": "Person",
                "name": "Robert Reich"
            },
            "isPartOf": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website"
            },
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-reich/i-have-found-over-the-years-that-the-most-important-way-of-getting/",
            "about": {
                "@type": "Thing",
                "name": "Comedy"
            },
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-reich/i-have-found-over-the-years-that-the-most-important-way-of-getting/#quotation",
            "image": {
                "@type": "ImageObject",
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e9a/robert-reich-1333_comedy_i-have-found-over-the-years-that-the-mos_1140476.jpg",
                "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e9a/robert-reich-1333_comedy_i-have-found-over-the-years-that-the-mos_1140476.jpg",
                "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e9a/robert-reich-1333_comedy_i-have-found-over-the-years-that-the-mos_1140476.jpg",
                "width": 1080,
                "height": 1080,
                "caption": "“I have found over the years that the most important way of getting people to relax is self-deprecating humor.” — Robert Reich",
                "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                "creator": {
                    "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                }
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "BreadcrumbList",
            "itemListElement": [
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 1,
                    "name": "Home",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 2,
                    "name": "Quotes",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 3,
                    "name": "Robert Reich",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-reich/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 4,
                    "name": "I have found over the years...",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-reich/i-have-found-over-the-years-that-the-most-important-way-of-getting/"
                }
            ],
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-reich/i-have-found-over-the-years-that-the-most-important-way-of-getting/#breadcrumb"
        },
        {
            "@type": "WebSite",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website",
            "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/",
            "publisher": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "Organization",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization",
            "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/",
            "logo": {
                "@type": "ImageObject",
                "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png",
                "width": 512,
                "height": 512
            }
        }
    ]
}
```
