We can learn a lot from Charlie Chaplin. We all know his funny side. There is a lot of comedy, tragedy, tomfoolery, acting. But behind it all, there is another, a serious, dark side that makes you think.

When I have foreign guests, a visit to Chaplin’s World in Vevey on Lake Geneva is part of the program. There is inspiration for everyone there. You can see scene images and film clips that make us laugh. And on top of that, a refresher course in the dark world history of almost a hundred years ago is offered. I think the world needs a new Charlie Chaplin today. A master who understands how to humorously portray the madness of today’s despots and who helps us humans to deal with it tolerably.

“Nothing lasts in this evil world – not even our problems.”

That is one of Chaplin’s encouragements. The superficial observer passes over these words. The thoughtful observer transfers them to today’s world and concludes: There is something evil emerging. There are great promises of salvation in the air without any real basis. And there are millions of people obediently following these flattery sounds. That’s where problems arise. It’s good to know that these problems are also of limited duration.

The German dictionary also has a lot to say on the subject of humor:

“Humor is the ability to look at the dark side of life with cheerful composure and mental superiority.”

Humor is a skill, something that can be learned.

Genuine humor is demonstrated in the dark side of life, when it seems hopeless.

Humor helps us to view the situation with composure and to put it into the right perspective.

Humor leads to superiority, to a higher perspective that brings the end into view.

Humor is much more than laughing at funny situations and jokes. Genuine humor also laughs inwardly in serious life situations. It’s good to know that at the end of a dark period, true joy can be found, as we read in Revelation 19:7: “Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to him.” Do we pass over these words carelessly? Or do we stop and try to understand them in their full context? Do we give the glory to whom it is due?

How can I learn humor?
Cultivate these seven virtues. They will inevitably lead you to humor and more joie de vivre:

1. Decide
People with a good sense of humor have an easier time in life. They inspire others and attract like-minded people. They find joy in their work and endure difficult situations with more resilience. Is that something you want? Then make a conscious decision today to develop these virtues.

2. Show empathy and appreciation
Humor is closely linked to empathy and appreciation of oneself and others. Every day, I have reasons to get annoyed with myself and others. However, I don’t have to do it. Instead, I can develop the habit of not taking myself too seriously and of being understanding of the (mis)behavior of others. I don’t have to make their problems my own. But I can try to understand the cause of their problems.

3. Discover beauty and do good
Deal with beauty. Can you see it? In nature, in art, in music, in architecture, in your everyday life, in yourself? Deal with people who create beauty. Let yourself be inspired by their sincerity and enthusiasm. And make it a habit to brighten someone’s day with a smile or a kind word. The response is overwhelming. What goes around comes around.

4. Be grateful
Don’t take anything for granted. Take an interest in who is behind what you have or are. You will encounter human hands, ingenious thinkers, loving people – or even the Creator. Gratitude creates kindness. And contentment.

5. Develop good habits
This is an economic principle: “First we shape our habits. Then our habits shape us.” Practicing good habits is initially tedious. After some repetition, it becomes easier and ultimately it works automatically and effortlessly. So a forced laugh becomes a natural and winning smile.

6. Be modest
It is legal and desirable to strive for great things and to own a lot. Just: Stay modest. Share what you have with others. This is how you measure whether you are the owner or the slave of your goods and talents.

7. Free yourself from dependencies
Do you carry dependencies around with you? Are you dependent on status, wealth, recognition, praise, success, perfectionism, or on what others think of you? You don’t have to be. Free yourself from it. You can find out how to do this in a later blog on my website.