I'm definitely guilty of thinking something is funny but thinking the audience won't. Then three years later I will finally try it and it'll kill them. I got to give them more credit.

In this quote, Ron White reflects on the sometimes unpredictable nature of comedy and the process of testing new material. He admits that he's often guilty of doubting whether something he finds funny will resonate with his audience. White's comment highlights the common struggle many comedians face when deciding which jokes or ideas to perform, especially when they fear that the audience might not respond positively. His hesitation stems from his perception of the audience's potential taste or reaction, making him second-guess his material.

The quote also shows White’s self-awareness and growth as a comedian. Over time, he learns that the audience can often surprise him with their reactions, and what he initially doubts might be funny may actually be a huge success. When he finally tries the material after several years, he sees that the audience reacts more positively than expected, which leads him to realize that he needs to give them more credit. This moment of realization is about trusting the audience’s sense of humor more than his own assumptions about what they might find funny.

White’s experience underscores the trial and error process that many comedians go through when refining their acts. Sometimes, the timing or context just isn't right for certain material, but with patience and persistence, it may eventually resonate in the way it was intended. The growth he refers to involves learning to trust his instincts and the audience's sense of humor more, rather than prematurely assuming they won't connect with a joke.

Ultimately, this quote speaks to the evolution of a comedian's craft. White acknowledges that over time, he has come to understand that his own comedic instincts are often more aligned with what the audience finds funny than he initially thought. It reflects the trial and error that is inherent in comedy, where timing, delivery, and trust in the audience are key to finding success with new material.