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“THE HUMBLE GAMES” -- (where, as they say, “Strategy is Everything”)

Dorcas: That was a good sermon the pastor preached on humility.
Nimrod: Mmm Hmm. Very good.
Dorcas: Are you going to put it into practice?
Nimrod: Uhh…as soon as you show me how.
Dorcas: What’s that supposed to mean?
Nimrod: Same thing you meant.
Dorcas: Yeah? And just what did I mean?
Nimrod: That I could stand to be more humble.
Dorcas: Wellllll, couldn’t you?
Nimrod: Couldn’t YOU?
Dorcas: Are you saying I’m not humble?
Nimrod: I’m merely returning your volley.
Dorcas: That’s not very nice of you.
Nimrod: I suppose it was nice of you to insinuate I’m not humble.
Dorcas: [Long silence] More I think about it, I guess you’re right.
Nimrod: [Equally long silence]
Dorcas: I mean if I were really humble I wouldn’t point out that sometimes you’re not very humble.
Nimrod: Yeah. And if I were really humble I wouldn’t point out it’s hypocritical to point out my lack of humility.
Dorcas: [Long silence]
Nimrod: [Equally long silence]
Dorcas: I guess if I were really and truly humble, I’d tell you that the only one here who needs to work on being humble is, well, ME.
Nimrod: No, no, no, Dorcas. In saying that, you just demonstrated that you ARE, in fact, really and truly humble.
Dorcas: You think so, Nimrod?
Nimrod: I really do, Dorcas. And you proved you’re honest to a fault, besides. Why, you make a husband proud.
Dorcas: Oh, Nimrod! I’m truly humbled!
Nimrod [aside: Well said, Tribute.]

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I have sometimes wondered what first steps might lead to a civilization (?) reinstituting gladiatorial games. With the popularity of this book/movie I wonder no more.