Skip to content

Bob Quote by Vincent Canby

“When Uncle Bob (or Ted or Ray) promised to send a shooting star over the house to mark a young listener's birthday, the young listener, who had hung out the window for an hour without seeing the star, questioned not Uncle Bob (or Ted or Ray), but his own eyesight.” quote by Vincent Canby
Download Open image
“When Uncle Bob (or Ted or Ray) promised to send a shooting star over the house to mark a young listener's birthday, the young listener, who had hung out the window for an hour without seeing the star, questioned not Uncle Bob (or Ted or Ray), but his own eyesight.”

Vincent Canby

About This Quote

Source Film: The Last Picture Show, 1971

A promise of a spectacular event leads to self‑doubt when expectations aren’t met, highlighting how we often blame ourselves for unmet expectations.

In simple terms: Unmet expectations cause self‑doubt.

Key Takeaway

Check expectations before blaming yourself.

Themes

expectations self‑doubt perception trust childhood celebration

Mood

reflective hopeful nostalgic

Type

narrative reflective philosophical

When to use this quote

  • birthday parties
  • parent‑child promises
  • waiting for miracles
  • self‑assessment
  • confidence building

Key Concepts

psychology perception expectancy

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you often doubt your own senses?
  • How can you verify expectations realistically?
A Different Perspective

If the promise is unreliable, the disappointment may be misplaced.

2.2 out of 5 (6 ratings)

More by Vincent Canby

Explore all 21 Vincent Canby quotes

More Bob quotes

Browse all 886 Bob quotes