Given the authors use of anecdotes to support his conclusion, I'll offer my counter. I've traveled to Germany from the US for work many times. One flight from

Given the authors use of anecdotes to support his conclusion, I'll offer my counter. I've traveled to Germany from the US for work many times. One flight from San Francisco to Munich was particularly memorable. It was a United weekend flight. At the gate I heard more German that English being spoken, so I am confident that among the passengers were many Germans. The in flight entertainment included the usual recent movie releases, but there was one oddity. That show had about 50% of the cabin in uproarious laughter, while the remaining passengers glanced around bemused, and confused by the reaction. The Germans were howling. It was the Stooges. Moe, Larry and Curly. So I'd suggest that Germans do have a sense of humor, it's just a little different than the author's. And I think this plays out in other places as well. As I understand it, Monty Python was far more popular in the US than it had been in England. Even North Korea has laughter, where, at least, it is permitted when Kim Jong Un tells a joke. The trick is to be sure he's trying to be funny when you laugh. Seriously.