Denton Cooley, Heart Surgeon

[Rob L]

I'm not very quick witted, but I do admire it in others. For example, Denton Cooley, the US heart surgeon who has recently died at the age of ninety-six.

Cooley was giving evidence in court and was asked by a lawyer if he was indeed the greatest heart surgeon in the world.

'Yes', replied Cooley, 'I am'.

'Don't you think that is being rather immodest', rejoined the lawyer.

'Perhaps it is', answered Cooley, 'but I am under oath'.