Rhys Darby

“I brought light comic relief to the other soldiers who were finding it hard. During moments of spare time I would do impressions of the NCOs who were in charge of us - just on a whim, to bring joy to my fellow cadets. One day I was caught doing this by the NCO I was impersonating. He was not happy at all and decided to make an example of me.
'You think you're funny, Darby?'
'Yes, corporal.'
'Well, we'll see how funny you are when I get you to do your impressions directly in front of those who you mock!'
'...'
'Nothing to say to that, Darby?'
'No, corporal. I'm just slightly excited about this opportunity.”
― Rhys Darby, This Way To Spaceship

“Then the Sergeant major pointed me out and said something that has stuck with me until this day. He said:
'You are very silent aren't you Darby? There is something about the look in your eyes. You're either very smart of very stupid.'
I smiled at this statement, trying hard not to give away which category I fitted into. In the many years that have followed since being questioned in that way I have often wondered myself whether I'm very smart or very stupid. Is it possible to be both?”
― Rhys Darby