D. A. Pennebaker Quotes

I really, sincerely and honestly, do the best that I can.

My focus is my art, and that's what I love to do. I have to be really passionate in order to do something. I've turned down many things that I just didn't believe in.

It was very important that it be done in such a way that it be executed with complete conviction. If I had done it both ways, if I was trying to cover myself in case it didn't work, then it would have been to no purpose.

When you really put your heart in the work, you don't think of how you look. And I think that's the beauty of it.

When you do something with a lot of honesty, appetite and commitment, the input reflects in the output.

I'm not some crazy party animal. That's OK. If you say you want to be the best, you have to do what the best do - train, research, eat right, take care of yourself, and be. Don't pretend.

The secret of success is sincerity.

I want people to see a real person on the ice. I want to seem tangible, hard-working, passionate about my skating, not just going out and doing something I've rehearsed a million times.

I only deal in what is real. To be honest, I've never thought about what I could get out of football or where it would take me. I just wanted to play. I'm the same now.

You need to feel that the game is important to you. Lose that feeling and you lose your edge. There's no faking that kind of emotion. You can't invent the feeling. It's got to be natural, real.

I'm a fan of people that have quality, that do what they do, and that are not into the showbiz.

I'm being myself when the camera is rolling.

I think if you put 100% into anything and you do it with authenticity and enthusiasm, then it really shines through.

Trust comes only with genuine effort, never with a lick and a promise.

Even where there is talent, culture, knowledge, if there is not earnestness, it does not go to the root of things.

I do not believe we accomplish very much in life unless we are enthusiastic, unless we are in earnest, and unless we practice what we preach.

Get a grip, Oreo, and be true to the game.

Anything that I've put my name to and my face to and put my time into, is something that I'm clearly passionate about, or I wouldn't be there.

I want my fans to know I'm there for them. I want them to see every part of me. I am never going to leave them.

Another thing I like to say to my students is this: "How many Corinthians read Paul's letters?" The answer is none. They couldn't have cared less! There aren't even any Corinthians left, but Paul's letters persist. Paul was not a professional writer. He was called to something, and he sent his letters. That's a good way to look at it. That you might be making something that nobody cares about, but you have to do it. It's not that people should care, but that you should care.

I do not excuse myself with the usual escape of 'not trying.' I tried with all my heart.

Be king in your dreams. Make your vow that you will reach that position, with untarnished reputation, and make no other vow to distract your attention.

It is time for every one of us to roll up our sleeves and put ourselves at the top of our commitment list.

There is no substitute for thoroughgoing, ardent, and sincere earnestness.

I’m serious about you, Avery. If you want me for real, you have me.