Rule #6

From The Art of Possibility by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander (paraphrased):

Two prime ministers are discussing grave matters of state when a staffer for the host minister bursts in, screaming hysterically, gesticulating wildly, whereupon the minister admonishes him, “Peter,” he says, ” kindly remember Rule Number 6,” whereupon Peter is instantly restored to calm, apologizes and withdraws.

The ministers resumed their discussion, but were interrupted again by another high-level aide, apoplectic, pounding on the desk. Again the intruder is greeted with the words, “Marie, please remember Rule Number 6.” Marie is instantly restored to calm, thanks the prime minister and apologizes to his guest, and withdraws.

The visiting prime minister says, “My dear friend, I’ve seen many things in my too-long career, but never anything as remarkable as this. Would you be willing to share with me the secret of Rule Number 6?”

“Very simple,” replies his host. “Don’t take yourself so goddamned seriously.” Ah, says his guest, “A very fine rule.” He ponders it for a moment more, then asks, “And what, may I ask, are the other rules?”

“There aren’t any.”