His genius lies in his ability to create music that makes me feel glad to be alive, however whenever i see his writings (such as in the gaucho album liners) or hear him talk (at the rock and roll hall of fame, or at a concert between songs) i get the feeling Fagan doesn't take life as seriously as his music sounds. I mean my first listen to his song Maxine, and the phrase "try to hang on" just made me melt. Fagen in concert is twice as strong. A night concert in Irvine, CA yr.2000 was absolutely magical for me. Every time i hear A steely dan tune or Fagen's voice brings me back to that night. Maybe we're being doublely fooled by Fagen's persona. Maybe he really does appreciate life and realize the magnificance in the human experience? I don't see how a person can create the music he does and have the attitude he does at the same time.