The Art of Dreaming Big: What Kevin Smith’s Bold Philosophy Teaches Us About Life
There’s a quote often attributed to Brian Eno about The Velvet Underground: ‘The first album only sold 10,000 copies, but everyone who bought it formed a band.’ It’s a line that captures the essence of cultural ripple effects—how a small, seemingly insignificant act can inspire a movement. Kevin Smith, the indie film icon behind Clerks, embodies this idea in a way that’s both humbling and electrifying. His quote, ‘In the face of such hopelessness as our eventual, unavoidable death, there is little sense in not at least trying to accomplish all of your wildest dreams in life,’ isn’t just a motivational quip; it’s a manifesto for living unapologetically.
Why This Quote Hits Different
What makes this particularly fascinating is how Smith flips the script on existential dread. Most of us use the inevitability of death as an excuse to play it safe, to settle for the familiar. Smith, however, sees it as a reason to double down on audacity. Personally, I think this is where his genius lies—not in his films alone, but in his ability to reframe life’s most terrifying truth as a call to action. It’s not about ignoring mortality; it’s about using it as fuel.
The Clerks Effect: How One Film Became a Movement
Smith’s 1994 debut, Clerks, is the perfect case study in this philosophy. Made on maxed-out credit cards with a shoestring budget, it became a Sundance sensation and a blueprint for aspiring filmmakers. What many people don’t realize is that Clerks wasn’t just a movie—it was proof that you didn’t need Hollywood’s stamp of approval to tell your story. Smith’s success wasn’t about talent alone; it was about audacity. He didn’t wait for permission; he just did it.
This raises a deeper question: How many of us are waiting for the ‘right time’ or the ‘right resources’ to pursue our dreams? Smith’s career is a reminder that the right time is now, and the right resources are whatever you’ve got. From my perspective, this is the most empowering aspect of his legacy—he democratized creativity.
From Heart Attacks to Heartfelt Advice
A detail that I find especially interesting is how Smith’s near-death experience in 2018 reshaped his outlook. After surviving a massive heart attack, he softened his edges, becoming less combative and more celebratory. His podcast, his movie theater ownership, and his relentless championing of other artists all reflect this shift. What this really suggests is that facing mortality can sharpen your priorities—and for Smith, that meant doubling down on encouragement.
The Universal Appeal of ‘Just Try’
One thing that immediately stands out is how Smith’s message transcends industries. Whether you’re a filmmaker, a writer, or someone dreaming of a career change, his advice is the same: Just try. It’s deceptively simple, yet profoundly liberating. I say this as someone who quit a stable job to pursue writing—a decision that felt terrifying but, in hindsight, was the most alive I’ve ever felt.
What many people misunderstand about Smith’s philosophy is that it’s not about success in the traditional sense. It’s about the act of trying itself. Failure, after all, is just another story to tell. As Smith once said, ‘Everybody’s got one killer story. It doesn’t take talent to tell that story, it just takes experience.’
The Broader Implications: A Culture of Encouragement
If you take a step back and think about it, Smith’s approach challenges the competitive, zero-sum mindset that often dominates creative fields. He’s not a gatekeeper; he’s a bridge-builder. His quote about encouraging artists—‘It costs nothing to encourage an artist, and the potential benefits are staggering’—is a masterclass in generosity. In a world where criticism often outweighs praise, Smith’s positivity feels revolutionary.
Final Thoughts: Why Smith’s Words Matter Now More Than Ever
In an era of algorithmic timelines and curated perfection, Smith’s raw, unfiltered approach feels like a breath of fresh air. His message isn’t about perfection; it’s about participation. Personally, I think we could all use a little more of his ‘just do it’ energy in our lives. Whether you’re dreaming of making a film, writing a book, or simply living more boldly, Smith’s words are a reminder that the only real failure is inaction.
So, here’s my takeaway: Life is short, and death is inevitable. But in between, there’s room for audacity, for messiness, for trying and failing and trying again. As Smith would say, ‘There’s little sense in not at least trying to accomplish all of your wildest dreams.’ And honestly? I can’t think of a better way to live.
