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In my career as a director, there's always been some point where you get halfway through it, or three-quarters, and you go: 'What is this thing all about, and why am I telling the story? Does anybody really care about seeing this?' At that time you have to say: 'OK, forget that and just go ahead.'
Clint Eastwood
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Creative professionals often doubt the value of their work during the process, but must persist regardless of self-doubt.

Clint Eastwood's quote reflects the struggles that artists and directors face during the creative process. It captures a moment of uncertainty when one questions the purpose and value of their work. Despite these doubts, the important lesson is to push through and continue creating, emphasizing the necessity of perseverance and commitment to storytelling, regardless of external validation.

Themes

CreativityPerseveranceDoubtStorytellingArt

In practice

Example use cases

During a film festival when discussing the challenges of directing.

More from Clint Eastwood

The fact is, violence is not only not a beautiful thing, but it's also very painful and not without consequences for the perpetrator as well as the victim.
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I've always been fascinated with the stealing of innocence. It's the most heinous crime, and certainly a capital crime if there ever was one.
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Over the years, I realized there was a Republican philosophy that I liked. And then they lost it. And LIBERTARIANS had more of it. Because what I really believe is, let's spend a little more time leaving everybody alone.
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