"After a year or so I really thought I was Howard Hughes. Here I was at eighteen years old, getting all these checks"

In the quote by Michael J. Fox, he reviews a minute in his life when his sudden success was frustrating, comparing himself to Howard Hughes. Hughes, a renowned figure understood for his enormous wealth, air travel exploits, and Hollywood impact, represents the peak of success and excess. By stating, "After a year or so I actually believed I was Howard Hughes", Fox is revealing the surreal experience of accomplishing fame and monetary success at a young age.

At eighteen, Fox was thrust into a world of abundance, where significant paychecks became a regular part of his life. This abrupt increase of money and recognition can be disorienting, especially for someone so young. Fox, who was still navigating the transition from teenage years to adulthood, experienced a type of id that often accompanies star. The juxtaposition of his youth and newfound wealth most likely led to a distorted sense of self.

Fox's reference of "getting all these checks" highlights the monetary aspect of this transformation. It suggests a considerable shift in his lifestyle and outlook. Earning large amounts of cash at a young age can create a disconnect in between one's self-image and reality. For Fox, receiving substantial pay at eighteen might have felt like a dream or a film, where he all of a sudden embodied a figure like Howard Hughes-- a man who had whatever.

This quote reveals the pressures and difficulties that included early success. It highlights the idea that fame and fortune can significantly change one's self-perception and trigger feelings of invincibility. In spite of the glamour connected with such a way of life, Fox's reflection recommends an underlying caution about how quickly one can lose touch with truth. The recommendation of this surreal experience is a testament to his self-awareness and ability to review the impact of fame on his sense of identity.