It’s a spin-off of how Sir Winston Churchill is reputed to have responded when then Prime Minister Clement Attlee was described to Churchill as “a modest man”. Churchill’s response: “He has much to be modest about”.
There is some debate as to whether that’s the origin of the quip. For instance, Haywood Hale Broun is recorded as having written in 1920 the following note about the state of American theater: “Generally speaking, American critics are apt to be overmodest about American plays. It must be admitted that there has been a good deal to be modest about in our theater…”.
Other uses (prior to 1945) of a similar quip are also known, but Churchill seems to get the credit because Clark Clifford, who was an aide to President Harry Truman, reported he had overhead the exchange between Truman and Roosevelt aboard the train that took Churchill to Fulton, Missouri – where he made his famous “iron curtain” speech. It’s unknown if Churchill was merely repeating (modified to fit the circumstances) something he’d heard previously.
A lot of people who have done something great that receives a lot of attention say that they are “humbled” by the attention. I would certainly not be humbled. Possibly the reason I have never had that opportunity.
dadthedawg Premium Member almost 3 years ago
He really is…..a big man.
Superfrog almost 3 years ago
Sometimes it’s easy to be humble.
eastern.woods.metal almost 3 years ago
It’s hard to be humble
FaustoCoppi almost 3 years ago
It’s a spin-off of how Sir Winston Churchill is reputed to have responded when then Prime Minister Clement Attlee was described to Churchill as “a modest man”. Churchill’s response: “He has much to be modest about”.
There is some debate as to whether that’s the origin of the quip. For instance, Haywood Hale Broun is recorded as having written in 1920 the following note about the state of American theater: “Generally speaking, American critics are apt to be overmodest about American plays. It must be admitted that there has been a good deal to be modest about in our theater…”.
Other uses (prior to 1945) of a similar quip are also known, but Churchill seems to get the credit because Clark Clifford, who was an aide to President Harry Truman, reported he had overhead the exchange between Truman and Roosevelt aboard the train that took Churchill to Fulton, Missouri – where he made his famous “iron curtain” speech. It’s unknown if Churchill was merely repeating (modified to fit the circumstances) something he’d heard previously.
littlejohn Premium Member almost 3 years ago
I do hope that those are sunglasses that she is wearing. Other wise the only way she would find Cosmo is by braille.
Imagine almost 3 years ago
When being humble is not an exaggeration. Or ironic.
tauyen almost 3 years ago
Winston Churchill said this about Clement Atlee
kenharkins almost 3 years ago
This joke has been attributed to Winston Churchill in the past. He said it about some other politician.
preacherman Premium Member almost 3 years ago
It looks like modesty is a disease that Paula may never have to worry about contracting.
mistercatworks almost 3 years ago
Always make a point of emphasizing your exceptional humility. :)
oldlady07 Premium Member almost 3 years ago
A lot of people who have done something great that receives a lot of attention say that they are “humbled” by the attention. I would certainly not be humbled. Possibly the reason I have never had that opportunity.
poppacapsmokeblower almost 3 years ago
Winston Churchill comment.
Buckeye67 almost 3 years ago
Hey Paula, would you have preferred Cosmo to be immodest.
outfishn almost 3 years ago
Can a person be modest if they haven’t achieved things to be modest about?