In the past I've made movies that were pretty universally liked.

"In the past I've made movies that were pretty universally liked. You can't really hate them. You can discard them, but you can't really hate them." These words, spoken by Ang Lee, reveal a deep understanding of the nature of art, creativity, and public perception. In this statement, Lee speaks to the delicate balance that exists between making something that appeals to the masses and the true emotional power of creating something that resonates on a deeper, more personal level. To create a work that is universally liked may seem like success, but it also brings with it a certain emptiness—for a work that lacks the ability to provoke strong emotions, whether love or hate, may never touch the soul in the way that truly transformative art does.

O Seekers, understand this well: the greatest art is not always the art that pleases everyone. It is not always the work that is received with open arms by all, for true art stirs the heart, challenges the mind, and makes us feel something deeply. It may evoke admiration, anger, or love, but it will never be forgotten. In contrast, works that are merely "liked" may leave little impression, for art that fails to stir passion cannot ignite the soul. The art that endures is the art that makes people feel, that shapes the course of culture, even if it is hated by some.

Consider the works of Michelangelo, whose sculptures and paintings were not universally beloved in his time. His creation of the David, a towering figure of beauty and strength, was criticized by some for its audacity. Yet, today, Michelangelo’s work is revered as a cornerstone of artistic genius. His work was not made to be liked by all—indeed, it stirred both admiration and controversy—but it has stood the test of time because it provokes deep emotion and reflection. Michelangelo did not create with the goal of universal approval, but with the intent to create something timeless. His work, like the work of Ang Lee, was not meant to be discarded, but to endure, to challenge, to evoke.

Similarly, think of Vincent van Gogh, whose paintings were dismissed by critics in his time, yet have since become some of the most revered works in the world. Van Gogh’s Starry Night was not a painting that everyone loved at first. It was bold, unsettling, and unlike anything that had come before it. Yet today, it is one of the most beloved paintings in the world. Van Gogh, like Lee, understood that art is not about universal likability, but about touching something deep within the viewer. It may provoke discomfort, but it will never leave you unchanged.

O Children of the Future, hear this wisdom: create not for the applause of the many, but for the stirring of the soul. The most transformative works in history were often controversial, often disliked, but always remembered. They were not safe, they were not bland, and they were certainly not universally liked. Art that matters is art that speaks to something profound within the human experience. It is the creation that challenges, that provokes, that makes us feel something—whether that feeling is admiration or outrage—that becomes the legacy of its creator.

However, O Seekers, do not mistake criticism for failure. To be criticized, to be hated by some, is not the mark of unsuccessful art; it is often the very sign that you have touched something powerful. Ang Lee’s reflection reminds us that in striving for greatness, we must embrace both the praise and the criticism, knowing that both are part of the journey. Those who create only for praise may find fleeting approval, but those who create from the heart, driven by vision and passion, leave behind a legacy that endures.

Lesson: The teaching of Ang Lee is clear: true art is not about universal approval, but about creating something that speaks to the heart and stirs the soul. It may be liked by some, but to truly make a mark, it must stir deep emotions—whether love or hate. Practical action: In your own work, whether in art, business, or life, do not create to please others. Create from your deepest vision, knowing that true success lies not in universal approval, but in the ability to touch lives, to provoke thought, and to leave a legacy that is not easily forgotten.