In "Born Standing Up: A Comic's Life," Steve Martin reflects on the unpredictable nature of entertainment. He suggests that there are moments when everything aligns perfectly for a performer, leading to an outstanding show. These instances are attributed to chance, much like drawing the right cards in poker, and are bound to happen occasionally over time.

However, Martin emphasizes that the true challenge lies in delivering a consistently high-quality performance, irrespective of any obstacles or unfavorable conditions. Being great may come easily on rare occasions, but maintaining excellence night after night requires immense dedication and resilience.