I learned what I really love is making films, not the film

"I learned what I really love is making films, not the film business. I want to be on the set, meeting with writers, I want that freedom. I love it now." These words, spoken by Harvey Weinstein, reflect a profound shift in his understanding of both passion and purpose. In the early stages of his career, Weinstein may have been driven by the business of filmmaking—by the deals, the strategy, and the financial stakes that come with being a major player in Hollywood. But, as he reveals, his true love lay not in the machinery of the industry, but in the raw, creative process itself—the process of creating, collaborating, and bringing stories to life. This revelation speaks to a universal truth: that while success and ambition may drive us, it is the authenticity of pursuing what we truly love that brings lasting fulfillment.

Weinstein’s journey from a businessman to a true lover of film mirrors the path of many who find themselves caught up in the pursuit of power or wealth, only to realize that what they sought was not what truly brought them happiness. Much like Alexander the Great, whose military conquests were driven by a desire for glory and empire, but who eventually found little peace in his conquests, Weinstein’s initial focus on the business side of film was likely motivated by an external measure of success. However, just as Alexander’s inner restlessness led him to question his quest for domination, Weinstein’s eventual shift towards the art of filmmaking reflects a deeper longing to connect with something more meaningful and personal.

In the ancient world, artists and philosophers were often seen as those who sought the deeper truths of existence. Consider the story of Socrates, who abandoned the comforts of wealth and status to pursue knowledge and wisdom. He was not interested in the trappings of power but in the pursuit of something far greater—truth and purpose. Similarly, Weinstein’s admission reveals a profound self-awareness that resonates with the ancient pursuit of inner fulfillment. While success in business or society may seem like the pinnacle of achievement, the true satisfaction comes from aligning one’s work with their deepest passions.

Filmmaking, at its core, is an artistic endeavor—one that requires vision, creativity, and collaboration. For Weinstein, the set and the creative process became the space where he could express his passion for storytelling, where the constraints of business and commerce were replaced by the freedom to create. This is where his true love lay, not in the boardroom but in the studio, not in making deals but in bringing together writers, actors, and creatives to breathe life into stories. It is the same joy that the great masters of art or literature experienced when their creations came to fruition, as Michelangelo did when he carved the David from marble—shedding away the stone to reveal the living figure within. In much the same way, filmmakers like Weinstein find fulfillment not in the deal-making but in shaping stories and collaborating with other visionaries.

Weinstein’s words also reveal a deeper truth about freedom—the kind that comes from following one’s true passion. Freedom, in this context, is not simply about having the liberty to do as one pleases, but about the creative freedom to pursue what aligns with one's inner calling. The path of true creativity often requires us to break free from the expectations and structures that society places upon us. As Vincent van Gogh discovered, creating art was not about achieving fame or wealth but about expressing his soul. His struggles with his inner world were reflected in his vibrant paintings, and it was only by embracing his passion for painting that he found a sense of peace and purpose. In a similar way, Weinstein’s journey reflects the importance of creative freedom—the freedom to make art, to express deeply, and to embrace the authentic self.

The lesson that can be drawn from Weinstein’s words is a call to honor our deepest passions. Just as he discovered that filmmaking was his true love, each of us must seek out what we truly love—the work that fills us with a sense of purpose, the activity that makes us feel most alive. Too often, we become trapped in the pursuit of external success, chasing after goals that are set by society, by others, or by expectations. But true happiness lies in honoring our inner calling, in dedicating ourselves to the work that resonates with us most deeply. Just as Weinstein found joy in the freedom of filmmaking, we too must carve out the space in our lives to follow what brings us genuine fulfillment.

In practical terms, this means that we must take the time to reflect on what truly excites and inspires us. What activities, what forms of expression, make us feel as though we are contributing something meaningful to the world? Whether it’s writing, teaching, painting, or any other craft, we must find the courage to pursue it, to embrace the freedom that comes with creation, and to focus less on the external rewards and more on the internal joy of doing what we love. Weinstein’s journey reminds us that true success is not measured in accolades or wealth, but in the authenticity with which we pursue our passions.

Thus, as we continue on our own paths, let us remember the wisdom of Weinstein’s reflection: true fulfillment lies not in the pursuit of external success, but in the freedom to create and express ourselves. Let us move beyond the pursuit of worldly gains and instead focus on the work that truly brings us alive—work that resonates with our soul and allows us to live our truest and most meaningful lives. In embracing this, we can find the freedom that comes from pursuing our passions and creating something that speaks to our authentic selves.