"My parents were very pleased that I was in the army. The fact that I hated it somehow pleased them even more"

This quote by Barry Humphries recommends that his parents were proud of him for joining the army, although he himself did not enjoy it. It suggests that his parents were standard and conservative, which they valued the concept of military service more than his own personal feelings. It also suggests that his parents were pleased with his commitment to the army, even if it was not something he wanted to do. This could be since they wanted him to have a sense of discipline and obligation, or because they desired him to have a sense of pride in his nation. It could also be since they wanted him to have a sense of function and instructions in life. Whatever the reason, it is clear that his moms and dads were proud of him for signing up with the army, even if he did not enjoy it.