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
Golf acts as a corrective against sinful pride. I attribute the insane arrogance of the later Roman Emperors almost entirely to the fact that, never having played golf, they never knew that strange chastening humility which is engendered by a topped chip shot. If Cleopatra had been ousted in the first round of the Ladies' Singles, we should have heard a lot less of her proud imperiousness.
TALK, v.t. To commit an indiscretion without temptation, from an impulse without purpose.
Why do they bother with a suicide watch when someone is on death row? "Keep an eye on this guy. We're gonna kill him, and we don't want him to hurt himself."
The English are busy folk; they have no time in which to be polite.
I was studying the sky like I was an astronomer, except it was daytime and I didn't have a telescope, so I was just an idiot.
There are women named Faith, Hope, Joy, and Prudence. Why not Despair, Guilt, Rage, and Grief? It seems only right. 'Tom, I'd like you to meet the girl of my dreams, Tragedy.' These days, Trajedi.