"I'm older than I was, and I'm still washed-up, and I haven't changed my music one iota. It's just much easier to do this when people are being nice to you"

This quote by Ben Folds talks to the idea of aging and not necessarily growing better. He acknowledges that he is older than he was previously, however he has not changed his music at all. He suggests that he is still washed-up, which could suggest that he is not as effective as he once was. He also implies that it is much easier to do his music when individuals are being good to him. This could mean that he is more effective when people are encouraging of his music, or it could imply that he is more motivated to develop music when individuals are respecting him. This quote speaks with the idea that age does not constantly bring knowledge, and that success in life is often dependent on the assistance of others.