"The more original something is, the more of a threat it seems until the people catch up with it. That happened with Thelonious Monk. It happened with anybody who is really original"

This quote by Steve Lacy speaks to the concept that when something is really initial, it can be seen as a danger to the status quo. This is since it is something that is unknown and can challenge the existing standards. Lacy uses the example of Thelonious Monk to show this point, suggesting that when Monk first started to make music, it was viewed as a risk because it was so different from what people were utilized to. Nevertheless, with time, individuals started to appreciate and comprehend Monk's music, and it ultimately ended up being accepted. This quote recommends that when something is really original, it can take some time for individuals to catch up with it, but ultimately it can be accepted and valued.