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If I make two movies my entire life, and they're two movies that - whether they make a lot of money or two people go to see them - they speak of me, then I consider them incredibly successful. I don't need to be Steven Spielberg.
Jodie Foster
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Success is defined not by external validation but by personal expression and authenticity in one's work.

In this quote, Jodie Foster emphasizes that true success lies in creating works that genuinely reflect oneself, regardless of their commercial success or popularity. She highlights the value of personal fulfillment and self-representation over the pursuit of fame or wealth, suggesting that even a small body of work can be profoundly meaningful if it resonates with the creator's identity.

Themes

SuccessSelf-ExpressionAuthenticityPersonal FulfillmentCreativity

In practice

Example use cases

In a graduation speech to inspire students about following their passions.

More from Jodie Foster

I have, in some ways, saved characters that have been marginalized by society by playing them - and having them still have dignity and still survive, still get through it.
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I'm not interested in being perfect when im older. Im interested in having a narrative. It's the narrative that's really the most beautiful thing about women.
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I'm an atheist. But I absolutely love religions and the rituals. Even though I don't believe in God. We celebrate pretty much every religion in our family with the kids. They love it, and when they say, 'Are we Jewish?' or 'Are we Catholic?' I say, 'Well, I'm not, but you can choose when you're 18. But isn't this fun that we do seders and the Advent calendar?'
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With 'Taxi Driver,' I had this eureka moment. I realized that acting could be much more than what I had been doing. I had to build a character that wasn't me.
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The best reason to make a film is that you feel passionately about it.
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I prefer to commit 100 per cent to a movie and make fewer films, because it takes over your life.
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