Quotes by John Callahan

“ My only compass for whether I've gone too far is the reaction I get from people in wheelchairs, or with hooks for hands. Like me, they are fed up with people who presume to speak for the disabled. All the pity and the patronizing. That's what is truly detestable. “

-John Callahan-

My only compass for whether I've gone too far is the reaction I get from people in wheelchairs, or with hooks for hands. Like me, they are fed up with people who presume to speak for the disabled. All the pity and the patronizing. That's what is truly detestable.

We're competing with everything: the beach, the mall, bookstores. Libraries are in a transition right now, caught between two forces, the old ways and technology. Libraries are under a lot of pressure to provide both.

When I quit drinking, I learned that life was not about manipulation. It's more about letting go of the need to control things.

Sex is like air; it's not important unless you aren't getting any.

Sex is like air it's not important unless you aren't getting any.

Introducing John Callahan

John Callahan (February 5, 1951 – July 24, 2010) was an American cartoonist, artist, and musician, renowned for his dark, often controversial humor that addressed subjects typically considered taboo, including disabilities and disease. Born in Portland, Oregon, Callahan was adopted by an Irish Catholic family at six months old and raised in The Dalles, a small port town along the Columbia River.

At the age of 21, Callahan became a quadriplegic following a car accident in which he was a passenger. This life-altering event led him to pursue cartooning, a craft he adapted to by holding a pen between both hands, having regained partial use of his upper body. His visual style was simple and often rough, yet his content was incisive, reflecting his sharp wit and unflinching perspective on life's challenges. Callahan's work gained national attention, appearing in over 200 publications, including prominent outlets like The New Yorker, Penthouse, and the Los Angeles Times. His cartoons often sparked controversy, leading to boycotts and protests, yet they also garnered a devoted following who appreciated his candid approach to sensitive topics.

Callahan's work gained national attention, appearing in over 200 publications, including prominent outlets like The New Yorker, Penthouse, and the Los Angeles Times. His cartoons often sparked controversy, leading to boycotts and protests, yet they also garnered a devoted following who appreciated his candid approach to sensitive topics.