“I may not be a first-rate composer, but I am a first-class second-rate composer.”

“I know some first-class Negroes. I also know some second-rate white people.”

“Never look encouragingly at the brass, except with a brief glance to give an important cue.”

“In fiction classes... you find that epiphany has a pretty high rate of occurrence... But when you tell your own story honestly, that epiphany thing is rare... The only changes are emergencies or blessings: when you wake up, notice the surroundings, then fall back, and wander more. And if you're lucky you end up walking again through a life where you're never called on to do much noticing.”

“I once did something right. I played first-rate basketball. I really did. And after you're first-rate at something, no matter what, it kind of takes the kick out of being second-rate.”

“I know of only one composer who measures up to Beethoven, and that is Bruckner.”

“Always be a first rate version of yourself and not a second rate version of someone else.”