Ben Franklin's Insight

A secret to being more revered than resented, he learned, was to display (At least when he could muster the discipline) a self-deprecating humor, unpretentious demeanor, and unaggressive style in conversation. (p. 42)

from Benjamin Franklin, An American Life  (http://www.amazon.com/Benjamin-Franklin-American-Walter-Isaacson/dp/0684807610)