Definitely, yes, one must always try to keep ahead with these conversational gymnastics !
And if you accidentally get involved in one of those silly situations where you have to say something about yourself that nobody could possibly expect or guess, tell them that you own an elephant’s eyelash. For uniqueness, this is hard to beat. Not if I’m present though, because I do own one, and just might have it with me.
“It was at around that time that I began to realise the real insight of Stephen Potter: that if you present someone with a seeming fact, they would rather go along with it than call you out, just in case it happens to be true!”🤣A case of blind leading the blind! So true. In modern times, it’d even be called farting your way through. Until someone wise like Mr. Freedman sees through, and lo and behold, writes about it!😉I don’t understand why folks can’t spend time on the side of authenticity than dilly dallying in pretense and games to appear smart. No substitute for hard work in life! I tell Sahil that everyday. Hopefully he is listening.
Authenticity: in the film School for Scoundrels, which was based on the One Upmanship books, right near the end Ian Carmichael confesses to Janette Scott that he played tricks to get her (almost) into bed. Alistair Sim, playing Stephen Poitter, says to the camera "Oh no, please, not sincerity, anythiing but that." Then he thiinks for a moment and says, "This could be the beginnings of a new ploy..." .🤣
What a treat to see this book dug up and featured in your current rotation! I only just read it - in the form of a ratty copy that was in the Little Free Library down the road. I suspect the person who donated the Spike Milligan paperbacks was the one behind it all.
British humor disguised as life advice....
Or the other way round? 😁
Definitely, yes, one must always try to keep ahead with these conversational gymnastics !
And if you accidentally get involved in one of those silly situations where you have to say something about yourself that nobody could possibly expect or guess, tell them that you own an elephant’s eyelash. For uniqueness, this is hard to beat. Not if I’m present though, because I do own one, and just might have it with me.
Yes, that is pretty 'outre'. Chortle
I remember these books really well. In the late 70s I worked in a bookshop and these were pretty constant sellers.
Amazing. Did you read them, June?
I think I might have read Lifemanship. I remember them being in the fiction/humour section.
Ach! I need these books!
Lol
Based on the title, I anticipated reading another article about Hemingway. Silly me.
Sorry!
No, thank you!
Fricking fabulous Terry. I was going to ask, “Where can I get this book?” , but you’ve already oneupped me and provided the answer.
LOL. Thanks, Jeanne. It's still hgilarious, even after half a century!
“It was at around that time that I began to realise the real insight of Stephen Potter: that if you present someone with a seeming fact, they would rather go along with it than call you out, just in case it happens to be true!”🤣A case of blind leading the blind! So true. In modern times, it’d even be called farting your way through. Until someone wise like Mr. Freedman sees through, and lo and behold, writes about it!😉I don’t understand why folks can’t spend time on the side of authenticity than dilly dallying in pretense and games to appear smart. No substitute for hard work in life! I tell Sahil that everyday. Hopefully he is listening.
Authenticity: in the film School for Scoundrels, which was based on the One Upmanship books, right near the end Ian Carmichael confesses to Janette Scott that he played tricks to get her (almost) into bed. Alistair Sim, playing Stephen Poitter, says to the camera "Oh no, please, not sincerity, anythiing but that." Then he thiinks for a moment and says, "This could be the beginnings of a new ploy..." .🤣
Thanks Terry. Humor is a tremendous defense in any argument. Of course. it will enrage the lead-footed opponent : )
Cheers Richard. Yes, I agree! LOL
Oh I am so going to use this relaxed line, Terry! I think we need a listicle of advice 😉
It's brilliant, isn't it, Kathleen! Yes, perhaps I'll compile something -- could be a laugh!
Thanks for kind comments in intro, Mikey 🙂
What a treat to see this book dug up and featured in your current rotation! I only just read it - in the form of a ratty copy that was in the Little Free Library down the road. I suspect the person who donated the Spike Milligan paperbacks was the one behind it all.