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There is a marvelous turn and trick to British arrogance; its apparent unconsciousness makes it twice as effectual.

The understatement is the English contribution to comedy.

The English can be a very critical, unforgiving people, but criticism can be good. And this is a country that loves comedy.

The English reputation for humour is a way by which people avoid revealing themselves and have superficial relationships, so that you can engage in banter without making yourself vulnerable.

An Englishman bears with patience any ridicule which foreigners cast upon him. John Bull never laughs so loudly as when he laughs at himself; but the Americans are nationally sensitive and cannot endure that good-humoured raillery which jests at their weaknesses and foibles.

A true Englishman doesn't joke when he is talking about so serious a thing as a wager.

The British have turned their sense of humour into a national virtue. It is odd, because through much of history, humour has been considered cheap, and laughter something for the lower orders. But British aristocrats didn't care a damn about what people thought of them, so they made humour acceptable.

What I see as specially English is the charm - everyone is so polite. Being restrained is part of the charm. And I love the sense of humour - it takes me back to Australia. The English are great at making fun of themselves. They're so self-effacing.

The English had hit upon a splendid joke. They intended to catch me or to bring me down.

I suppose I miss the British cynicism and the humor.