James Altucher Quotes

I don't think one should be comfortable standing on a stage with people applauding and laughing at every stupid thing you say.

Oprah Winfrey gives you the stage? Shut your mouth. I said, 'I'm sorry for taking over your show.' She said, 'No, that's why we have you here.'

I was terribly shy and never said anything in class. Then I started getting into school plays. When you've got words to say, you've got a sort of armour.

The beauty of me being on stage is I have a voice.

What I find daunting always is to stand on a stage and talk to people, whether they agree with me or not.

I remember walking out in front of that crowd, all the parents' faces and the applause, and folding my little self in half and thinking, 'I could get used to this.' And I just never stopped.

In front of a big group of people, in front of cameras, to be in my body and be in that moment, I feel the way that I've always wanted to feel - like a real pop star who is not holding anything back.

Getting up in front of an audience is my biggest motivation.

I was very shy, but when I performed, I felt like I was in my own little world. I became more confident. Dancing taught me discipline and to feel comfortable in my own skin.

I always felt like my future was at stake every time I stepped on stage and that was kind of hair-raising. At some point I just went, don't be frightened, you can't do anything wrong, it's your show.

I think the more you do this and the more comfortable you become on stage, you start speaking more and becoming more of a character in yourself.

I always thought I was a little shy, especially compared to my brother and my sister, but I guess I was always the kid doing performances in the front room.

The first time onstage, a light went on. 'OK, this is my thing. I'm comfortable here. This is my thing.'

I feel like I own the stage.

For me anyway, until I was exposed to doing improvisation and walking onto a stage without any script, I would have never felt comfortable enough to walk into a room with someone like Larry David and audition.

I go onstage and I talk, and I remember what I'm saying, and I track it.

I feel so much at home onstage and so comfortable in my body.

I'm actually pretty shy in real life. But I guess in front of the camera, I focus.

I like getting up in front of an audience. It's fun when you go to a baseball game and the crowd is cheering you. I can't deny it. And it's very funny, too. Sometimes you're shy; you go somewhere and everyone's looking at you, so you feel a little self-conscious.

I tend to be more arrogant on stage. Far more ignorant. I sometimes say what I think and sometimes say the opposite of what I think and the lines get blurred, but I can only hope that some kind of absolute power transcends.

I have a big ego, but I don't buy into it. I can't live off the ego. It's an honor that I get to be that guy onstage. It's not something I earned.

Onstage I have a natural chutzpa that audiences like. I'm out there.

So you don't have to take us too seriously; I mean, we're already intimidating enough on stage.

You have to open up on stage.

I don't wear a wig. I'd feel terrible onstage with a wig. I hate to be so 'Actors Studio'-ish, but I like to feel it's me out there.