“Talent is its own expectation, Jim: you either live up to it or it waves a hankie, receding forever.”

“She is one of the most talented people that ever lived. I mean, either in stand-up comedy, or acting, or whatever you want, you can't beat Madeline Kahn.”

“We are told that talent creates its own opportunities. But it sometimes seems that intense desire creates not only its own opportunities but its own talents.”

“Wave after wave
Will flow with the tide
And bury the world as it does
Tide after tide
Will flow and recede
Leaving life to go on
As it was…
-- Natural Science (1980)”

“Jim Dandy waves his stick over and around about the rock in a meaningless-meaningful way.”

“The swan who goes on living in its parents' tree will die; this is why those who are beautiful and talented bear the burden of finding their own way in the world.”

“The magic is over, but its effects will live forever.”

“The good doctor put a spoon of tea into my honey." "You're drinking tea a honey badger made," Jim said. "What did you expect?”

“I’m not in this world to live up to your expectations and you’re not in this world to live up to mine.”

“The terror and emotional distress come like the brunt of the waves. But that's how life sways our thoughts and feelings. We cannot expect the sea to be calm forever. We must be prepared for the hurricane to come our way.”