“Think of what would happen to us in America if there were no humorists; life would be one long Congressional record.”

“I think I gave indications early on that mine wasn't just going to be a commercial, er, career. If that were the case, then the first record would have been 10 versions of 'Loser.' I always thought it would be interesting if there was no such thing as gold and platinum records, or record deals, and people were just making music. What would the music sound like?”

“What would you think the odds were that this town could keep that secret for this long?”

“What would happen if one woman told the truth about her life?
The world would split open.”

“One wonders what would happen in a society in which there were no rules to break. Doubtless everyone would quickly die of boredom.”

“If only life were like a Jules Verne novel, thinks Marie-Laure, and you could page ahead when you most needed to, and learn what would happen.”

“Vollard, please do not say anything against fashions. Have you ever asked yourself what would happen if there were no fashions? How would women spent their time? What would they have to talk about? Life would become unbearable for us men. Why, if women were to break away from the rules of fashion - fortunately there is no danger - the government would have to step in and take a hand.”

“What would happen to the world if we were human?”

“If I were to live my life over again, I would be an American. I would steep myself in America, I would know no other land.”

“I used to think the years would go by in order, that you get older one year at a time. But it's not like that. It happens overnight.”