Still, laughing at yourself is not the same as attacking yourself. Stoic practice aims for clear judgment, not cruelty, and the best self-humor carries a gentle humility: you acknowledge your limits without concluding that you are worthless. This distinction matters because self-mockery can become a disguised form of despair or a bid for reassurance.
By contrast, constructive self-laughter keeps dignity intact. It says, in effect, “I can see my own absurdity, and I can still respect myself,” which makes it easier to apologize, adjust behavior, and maintain steady relationships even when you fail. [...]
