"I've been around where I knew other actors were going to steal the scene, and I don't compete with them"

This quote by Kevin Costner speaks to the concept of partnership and respect in the acting world. He is saying that he has actually remained in scenarios where he knows that other stars will be taking the scene, however he does not feel the need to take on them. Instead, he picks to work together with them to produce a much better total efficiency. This speaks with Costner's humbleness and understanding that the success of a scene is not depending on one star, however rather the collective effort of all included. He is also showing his regard for the craft of acting and his fellow stars, as he is not trying to beat them, but rather collaborate to create something higher than any a single person could do alone. This is a fantastic example of how partnership and respect can lead to a better outcome for everybody involved.