I've come to trust that what I like is what works.
“I’ve come to trust that what I like is what works.” Thus spoke James Gunn, filmmaker and storyteller, a man whose craft has brought worlds of heroes, misfits, and guardians to life. In these simple words lies a wisdom far older than cinema: the truth that authenticity is more powerful than pretense, and that the deepest compass of creation is not the expectation of others, but the trust one places in one’s own vision. His saying is not arrogance, but freedom—the freedom to believe that what resonates within your own soul will also strike fire in the souls of others.
The meaning of this quote rests in the unity of passion and purpose. Too often, creators seek formulas, theories, or the approval of critics to validate their work. Yet Gunn reminds us that art, like life, cannot be reduced to equations. The creator must listen inwardly, must honor the pulse of joy and wonder that stirs in the heart. When he declares, “what I like is what works,” he affirms that true creativity flows when a person dares to trust their instincts, for authenticity carries a power that cannot be faked.
The ancients knew this same truth. The poet Homer sang not by following a manual, but by giving voice to the stories that burned within him—the wrath of Achilles, the wanderings of Odysseus. Likewise, the sculptors of Greece carved gods and men not according to instructions, but according to the vision of beauty they carried in their souls. Their works endure because they followed not the fashions of their age, but the truth of their own delight. Gunn’s saying echoes this eternal principle: creation must be born from what feels true, not from what others demand.
History provides us another example in the life of Walt Disney. When he dreamed of building an amusement park unlike any other, he was ridiculed. Banks hesitated, critics scoffed, and many predicted failure. Yet Disney trusted his vision—what he liked was what he believed the world needed. Disneyland became not only a triumph, but the beginning of a cultural legacy that touched millions. His story reveals the wisdom of Gunn’s words: when you trust what stirs your own heart, it often stirs the hearts of others as well.
And yet, Gunn’s words also carry humility. To say “I’ve come to trust” is to admit a journey. It is not that he always knew his instincts would work, but that experience taught him so. Failures, risks, and experiments gradually revealed a truth: when he followed his own voice, his work had strength; when he chased the approval of others, it faltered. This is a lesson for all who walk the path of creation and self-expression: trust is not given lightly, but earned through time, practice, and the courage to fail.
The lesson for us is clear: do not abandon your instincts. In whatever you create—art, words, actions, even the way you live your life—there will be many who tell you what is correct, what is safe, what will “work.” But if it does not awaken joy or truth within you, it will not endure. What works is what flows from authenticity, from love, from conviction. To imitate is hollow; to follow your own voice is to create something alive.
Therefore, children of tomorrow, remember Gunn’s wisdom: trust yourselves. Trust your instincts, your passions, your delights. Do not silence the small voice within, for it knows the way better than the loud voices without. Let your work, your life, your choices be guided not by fear or calculation, but by the fire of what you truly like, what resonates in your heart. For what is true to you will speak truth to others—and in this way, your life itself will become a creation that works.
Vvu
I find James Gunn’s perspective on trusting your own tastes interesting, especially because it suggests authenticity in creativity. But what if someone’s preferences are out of sync with current trends or broader expectations? Does trusting what you like allow room for innovation, or does it sometimes risk being too out of touch? How do you know when sticking to your tastes is truly the right choice versus when it’s time to adapt?
GKnguyen dang gia khanh
James Gunn’s statement about trusting what works based on what he likes is refreshing. But I’m curious, does this philosophy extend to all areas of life, or is it more specific to his creative endeavors? How can we apply this thinking in our own lives, whether in our work or personal choices? Can it be too simplistic to rely solely on what feels right, or does it lead to more genuine, satisfying results?
AQNguyen An Quy
This quote resonates with me because it speaks to the importance of self-confidence. But is it always true that what you like will work in the wider world? There are so many factors that influence success, from timing to audience preferences. How do you differentiate between following your personal tastes and adapting to the ever-changing demands of your environment? Can trusting your likes ever become a limitation?
TANguyen Thanh An
I like the confidence behind this quote. Trusting what you like seems like a natural way to build something that resonates with people, especially in creative fields. But what happens when your personal taste doesn’t align with what’s expected by others, like an audience or market? Can someone’s unique preferences be too niche, or is authenticity the key to making it work in the long run?
BTPham Bang Tuyet
James Gunn’s quote makes me think about the idea of trusting your own instincts. If what you like works, does that mean your preferences are a guide for success? I wonder, though, if this approach always works for everyone, or if there are moments when we need to challenge our own tastes to grow. How do we balance what we enjoy with the need to sometimes step outside our comfort zones for greater success?