"I thought I was going to be a bum the rest of my life"

Jean-Michel Basquiat's quote "I thought I was going to be a bottom the rest of my life" reflects his modest starts and his battles to make it as an artist. Basquiat was born into a middle-class family in Brooklyn, New York, however his parents separated when he was young. He was required to drop out of high school and survived on the streets for a time. He was homeless and needed to resort to selling postcards and T-shirts to make ends meet. In spite of his difficult scenarios, Basquiat was identified to make something of himself and eventually discovered success as an artist. His quote reflects his determination to conquer his situations and make something of himself. It likewise reflects his gratitude for the opportunities he was given and his appreciation for the success he attained. Basquiat's quote is a suggestion that no matter how hard life might appear, it is possible to conquer hardship and accomplish success.