After 'Four Feathers,' I quit then because I just lost faith. I

Opening Scene

The room is dimly lit, with the soft glow of a table lamp casting a calm ambiance as the evening sets in. Outside, the world is quieter now, the hum of the city fading into stillness. Jack sits at the table, a cup of tea in hand, his gaze distant. Jeeny stands by the window, her arms crossed, looking out into the city below. There’s a certain reflective mood in the room, as though they are both contemplating something deeper.

Host: After a few moments, Jeeny turns from the window, her voice thoughtful but steady, breaking the silence.

Jeeny: “I came across a quote by Wes Bentley that really struck me. He said, ‘After ‘Four Feathers,’ I quit then because I just lost faith. I didn’t like how the business was.’ It made me reflect on how easily disillusionment can creep into a career, especially when things don’t align with your values or expectations. What do you think about that idea — how sometimes we lose faith in something we once loved because of the way it operates or how it changes?”

Jack: “I think it’s a really powerful statement. It’s tough when you’ve invested so much in something, and then you get to a point where you feel disconnected from it — not because you don’t care anymore, but because the way it operates no longer resonates with you. For someone like Wes Bentley, who’s been in the industry for so long, that loss of faith must have been a serious internal conflict. It’s one thing to walk away from something you no longer believe in, but it’s another when it’s something that’s been central to your life, your career, and your identity.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. It’s about the tension between personal values and the realities of the world around you. In Bentley’s case, it sounds like he reached a point where the industry no longer aligned with the person he was trying to be or the art he was trying to create. I think that happens to a lot of people, in all sorts of careers. We start out passionate, but over time, we can lose sight of what drew us to the field in the first place, whether it’s because of politics, the business side, or the lack of authenticity.”

Jack: “That’s the hard part, isn’t it? You can love what you do, but when the system or the structure around it starts to change, it can make you feel like you’re compromising your own integrity. Sometimes, you’re not just losing faith in the craft, but in the way it’s being handled or in the priorities of the industry. And when that happens, it’s hard to continue with the same enthusiasm. It’s like you’re forced to choose between your own beliefs and the expectations of the business.”

Host: The conversation continues, and Jeeny moves closer to the table, sitting down across from Jack. Her voice steady, she continues.

Jeeny: “It’s also about the emotional and mental toll that comes with that kind of disillusionment. When you’re constantly giving yourself to something — pouring your heart and soul into it — and you feel like you’re not being respected or the environment is toxic, it’s draining. It’s not just about the work anymore, it’s about your well-being and how much you’re willing to sacrifice for something that no longer feels worth it.”

Jack: “Exactly. It’s about protecting your authenticity. When you lose faith in the system, it’s like you’re being forced to be something you’re not, or to participate in something that doesn’t align with who you are. That’s when the passion fades, and it can feel like you’re just going through the motions, or worse, being part of something that feels empty. And for someone who’s passionate about their craft, that’s a huge loss.”

Jeeny: “Right. And sometimes, walking away from that is the healthiest choice. It’s not giving up; it’s reclaiming your sense of self. Bentley chose to step back because he couldn’t reconcile his values with the way things were being done. And sometimes, that’s exactly what we need to do — take a step back, reassess, and find a way to align our personal values with what we’re doing. It’s about finding authenticity, even if it means stepping away from something that once felt right.”

Jack: “That’s true. And I think it’s a reminder that faith in something isn’t just about sticking it out no matter what. It’s about preserving your integrity and your belief in the work. If the system or environment no longer allows you to do that, then maybe it’s time to re-evaluate and make a change. It’s okay to walk away if you feel like you’re losing yourself in the process.”

Host: The room feels quieter now, as if the weight of their reflections has settled between them. Outside, the city continues its rhythm, but inside, Jack and Jeeny share a realization: disillusionment can be a painful part of any journey, but it can also be an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. Sometimes, stepping away is the best way to reconnect with your values and your passion.

Jeeny: “So, maybe the lesson here is that when we lose faith in something, it’s not necessarily a failure. It’s a chance to reclaim our integrity, to find a way to align our passion with what we truly believe in. And if that means stepping away from something that no longer serves us, then so be it.”

Jack: “Exactly. It’s about protecting your authenticity and choosing to engage in things that resonate with who you are. Losing faith in something doesn’t mean you’ve lost everything — it just means it’s time to find a better path, one that aligns with your values.”

Host: As the evening winds down, the conversation settles into a quiet understanding. Disillusionment is a natural part of any journey, but it’s also a chance for growth and realignment. When we lose faith in something, it’s not an end — it’s an invitation to reassess, to reconnect with our values, and to find a way to move forward that feels true to who we are. Sometimes, walking away is the healthiest choice for preserving our authenticity and reclaiming our sense of purpose.