Teller Quotes

Satisfying myself is the point in filmmaking, in my mind.

This isn't about the money. This is just for me. I love music.

In the beginning, I didn't have to love them, my acts. It was mostly about being successful, getting a trophy, and making some money. Now if I don't love the idea of it, I don't work on it.

I create music for myself first of all because if I'm not happy with the music I create, I can't make anybody else happy.

I want to make beautiful things, even if nobody cares.

Personally, I experience success when I enjoy what I'm doing. I love the creative process, even if the end result isn't embraced by anyone else.

All real works of art look as though they were done in joy.

A creative man is motivated by the desire to achieve, not by the desire to beat others.

Music has always been my back door to life. It is important for people to find something that excites them. I like the concept that if you do what excites you, you will be rewarded generously, whatever form reward takes, which is not necessarily money.

Songwriting is like going to church. I'm connecting to something, and it's rewarding in really important ways. I don't need to share it with anyone to feel good about it.

I like to work on records when I feel inspired, not because it's expected of me.

Literature and butterflies are the two sweetest passions known to man.

There is only one real happiness in life, and that is the happiness of creating.

You may be basing a portion of your self-worth on your bank account without even realizing it. Try to pinpoint the activities and qualities that, free of charge, fulfill you.

I've always associated the moment of writing with a moment of lift, of joy, of unexpected reward.

I’m doing this because I like it.

I've never done this from a standpoint of, 'I want to be famous.' I sing because I love singing. I perform because I love performing.

You create content because you love it, not necessarily because you're looking for fame or know what it will potentially lead to.

I don't try to be original; I just always want to do something that excites me.

Put aside ambition for public recognition, and simply do what you do because it feels good inside.

Most joyful let the Poet be, it is through him that all men see.

I want to make beautiful things, even if nobody cares, as opposed to ugly things. That's my intent.

I was not intrigued with the accouterments of success and fame, the furs, jewels, expensive automobiles and mansions... I can assure you that these things were not on my mind when I sat spellbound in that Pozzuoli movie house. It was what these performers on the screen were doing, not what they received for doing it.

Writing is its own reward.

Everything turns out to be valuable that one does for one’s self without thought of profit.