Great, if not controversial, quote from a great photographer of the 60s

I like his view that photography is a proficiency model, but its not inherently art. Definitely digged watching the video.

I agree with him there - there's no need to overcomplicate it and artsy it up. If you want a shot, figure out how to do it.

you folks are deep thinkers ! I have a much more narrow approach as to what photographs are art and what photographers are artist. As for me I accept photography as a form of artistic expression and all I can say is I know it when I see it. Personally I enjoy images that bring on my emotions and/or make me think. two examples come to mind, Eugene Smith's images of the chemically deformed baby in the mothers arms in the bath to me is art it is also photojournalistic but it is art, as much as Minor Whites large format mystical closeup of the effect of a Drop of water on sand.
As important no actually way more important to me then photography's artistic expression is that it is teaching me to see the world around me more clearly, to look closely at all things that pass and experience their value in my life no matter how fleeting or small or large and enduring they may be. Kinda zen like don't you think.

a wise man

there are more to live than hardwork and study.
things like luck or talents, for instance.

simple as that.

he seemed to admire the talent aspect of a violinist
I personally choose luck, over skill or talent, any time.