I don’t know NOTHING ABOUT THAT.”
-- Speaker (Chapter One)

Importance: The quote above operates as a recurring motif in this essay. The author’s repeated claim not to possess any particular knowledge or expertise about how to achieve one’s dreams is not intended to make the reader distrust the author. Rather, it operates as a reminder that the values lies not in achieving one’s dreams (and therefore, demonstrating mastery) but in attempting to achieve said dreams.

AT SIXTEEN I thought / I would’ve made it by now”
-- Speaker (Chapter One )

Importance: The quote above connects to the theme of age, which is explored throughout the book. Here, Reynolds admits that he had high expectations for himself when he was younger. The vagueness of Reynolds’ dream--to “make it”--also connects to the book’s emphasis on pursuing, rather than accomplishing, dreams.

We are a bunch of / exhausted stragglers, / exalted strugglers, / disciples of the dreamers who / came...
-- Speaker (Chapter One)