I am skeptical in principle, gullible in practice.

The laughter of the aphorism is sometimes triumphant, but seldom carefree.

Courage overrides self-doubt, but does not end it.

I tried self-sacrifice a couple of times in my youth.

A well-paid occupation is seldom spoken of as "rewarding.

Now that I see you understand me so well, I will avoid you.

The question you're not supposed to ask is the important one.