5 Lessons in Leadership through Laughter: Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s Legacy of Humor
How a Nobel Laureate Leveraged Laughter for World Peace
A diminutive man, standing only 5 foot 5 inches, Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu was a towering force who spoke out against social injustice. Political and spiritual leaders from around the world are sharing their condolences, remembering him not only for his humanitarian work, but also for his tremendous sense of humor.
“Archbishop Desmond Tutu was a mentor, a friend and a moral compass for me and so many others,” former President Barack Obama said. “He never lost his impish sense of humor and willingness to find humanity in his adversaries.”
“His legacy is moral strength, moral courage and clarity,” said Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town Thabo Makgoba.
“He felt with the people. In public and alone, he cried because he felt people’s pain. And he laughed — no, not just laughed, he cackled with delight — when he shared their joy.”
While he was known for his distinct laugh (see video “Desmond Tutu Just Can’t Stop Laughing”), Archbishop Desmond Tutu was no fool. He understood how the power of humor could strengthen bonds, break down resistance and defuse conflict.
