What I've Learned: Mel Brooks “What was your greatest time on earth?” And I said: “From one to nine. After that, it’s been all downhill.” She was surprised and asked me why. I said, Because my mother loved me, my brothers loved me, and every day after school we would play ball in the streets. Life was sweet potatoes, punch ball, and ice cream. Before nine, I didn’t do a damn thing but smile. I didn’t even know we were poor. Then at nine, I found out about homework -- and it never stopped. From nine until now, at eighty, there are tasks. Duties. Things are expected. People are paying more than a hundred dollars to see a show. They expect a great show. I gotta deliver.