The main thing about directing is: photograph the people's eyes.
John FordRead
Why, I hold fate Clasped in my fist, and could command the course Of time's eternal motion, hadst thou been One thought more steady than an ebbing sea.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects the struggle of maintaining control over one's fate and emotions.
In this quote, John Ford illustrates a powerful sense of agency and control over destiny, suggesting that if the other person had been more steadfast in their emotions, the speaker could have commanded their fate like holding fate in their fist. It touches on the fragile nature of time and the impact of unwavering commitment in shaping life's direction.
Themes
FateControlEmotionsTimeDestiny
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech discussing the power of personal agency.
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No! I am not Prince Hamlet, nor was meant to be; Am an attendant lord, one that will do To swell a progress, start a scene or two, Advise the prince; no doubt, an easy tool, Deferential, glad to be of use, Politic, cautious, and meticulous; Full of high sentence, but a bit obtuse; At times, indeed, almost ridiculous— Almost, at times, the Fool.
T. S. EliotRead