Lorne Michaels

"Never lose the ability to be surprised by talented people."

"The legacy you leave is determined by how you treat people along the way."

"Television can be a force for good if you're willing to take risks."

"The best shows emerge from chaos, not from perfect planning."

"Keep pushing until something breaks, then push a little further."

"Comedy is the most democratic art form because anyone can appreciate it."

"The moment you think you're too important is the moment you're done."

"The show doesn't go on because it's ready; it goes on because it's 11:30."

"Live television is the most unforgiving medium there is."

"You have to fail in order to succeed."

"Comedy is about finding the truth in the moment."

"The best sketches are the ones people haven't seen before."

"You can't please everyone, and you shouldn't try."

"Talent finds a way to express itself."

"The pressure of live performance brings out the best in people."

"Good comedy punches up, never down."

"You have to trust your instincts about people."

"The audience is always right, even when they're wrong."

"Every generation needs its own voice."

"A good show is like a living organism."

"You learn more from failure than from success."

"The magic happens in the space between the script and performance."

"Never underestimate the power of a well-timed pause."

"Comedy requires risk; without it, there's no reward."

"The writers room is where the real work happens."

"You have to give people a reason to care."

"Timing is everything in comedy and in life."

"The best ideas come from listening, not talking."

"Innovation comes from necessity and desperation."

"You can't manufacture authenticity."