In some situations I was difficult, in odd moments impossible, in rare moments loathsome, but at my best unapproachably great.
I envy people who drink. At least they have something to blame everything on.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote expresses a sense of envy towards those who can attribute their problems to alcohol, highlighting the burden of personal accountability.
Oscar Levant's quote reflects a humorous yet poignant observation about the nature of blame and personal responsibility. It suggests that those who indulge in drinking can escape their troubles by attributing their misfortunes to alcohol, while individuals who do not drink must confront their challenges head-on. This sentiment reveals an underlying irony about the human condition, where the inability to blame something external can sometimes feel like a heavier burden.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a toast at a friend's birthday party, when discussing the challenges of life and coping mechanisms.
More from Oscar Levant
All quotes βWhen I appeared before the draft board examiner during World War II, he asked me if I thought I could kill. "I don't know about strangers," I replied, "but friends, certainly."
I have no trouble with y enemies. But my god damn friends... they are the ones that keep me walking the floors at night.
I'm a study of a man in chaos in search of frenzy.
Roses are red, violets are blue, I'm schizophrenic, and so am I.
The only difference between the Democrats and the Republicans is that the Democrats allow the poor to be corrupt, too.
Similar quotes
I said, "I do not fear those pants with nobody inside them." I said, and said, and said those words. I said them but I lied them.
The loud laugh that spoke the vacant mind.
Is that a gun in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me?
I do one accent - my own. I can make it louder or quieter. That is the sum total of my vocal range. I thought I could do an American accent until I tried it in front of an American - the expression of horror is still burnt onto my retinas.
But then you turn 30. Oooohh, what happened there? Makes you sound like bad milk! He TURNED; we had to throw him out. There's no fun now, you're Just a sour-dumpling. What's wrong? What's changed?
I never know when I am being funny, and the other way too. I don't think you can think about that. I don't think you can try to be funny. Some people are just funny.