Arts

The art of medicine means telling someone what they may already know at some deep non-verbal level, something they may fear or vaguely anticipate, and communicating that something in a way that offers insight and compassion.

I could do things my way, even if that was a way that no one had ever done before or would ever care to do again. It was valid and unique and ultimately viable.

Your conscience shouts, 'here's what you should do,' while your intuition whispers, 'here's what you could do.' Listen to that voice that tells you what you could do. Nothing will define your character more than that.

I hope you find that sense of mission. Don't turn away from what's painful. Examine it. Challenge it.

Say Yes. Say Yes, And… and create your own destiny.

I didn't know who I was or what I was going to do with my life when I finished college. I wasn't any clearer about my direction than the day I graduated high school.

Never let others define you. Define yourselves.

I learned early that my meaning had to be from the experience of making the film and the possibility of connecting with individuals, rather than the foremost trophies in my industry — financial and critical success.

When it comes to the arts, passion should always trump common sense. You aren't just following dreams, you're reaching for your destiny.

Rejection might sting, but my feeling is that it often has very little to do with you.

Don't be afraid to fail. If you don't go, you'll never know. You just have to be bold and go out there and take your chances.

There will be times when your best is not enough. There can be many reasons for this, but as long as you give your best, you'll be okay.