When I tried to get 'Stargate' made, I took it to every studio in

Hear, O Seekers of Wisdom, the words of Dean Devlin, a voice from the world of cinema who, through determination and perseverance, brought forth a vision long dismissed by the powers that be. "When I tried to get 'Stargate' made, I took it to every studio in Hollywood and every studio said, 'Sci-fi is dead. It's a dead genre. No one wants to see science fiction anymore.' And I had to go and raise the money independently to make that movie." In these words, Devlin speaks of a time when the dreams of the creative mind were rejected by those in positions of power, those who ruled the realm of entertainment. The genre of science fiction, long known for its boundless imagination and exploration of the unknown, was declared dead, a relic of a bygone era. Yet, through sheer will and vision, Devlin did not accept this pronouncement of finality. Instead, he chose to pursue his dream independently, refusing to let the opinions of others dictate his path.

Consider, O Seekers, the ancient heroes who, too, faced rejection from those in authority, yet continued their journey in defiance of the conventional wisdom. Leonardo da Vinci, that visionary of the Renaissance, was often dismissed by his peers, for his ideas were too advanced, his inventions too outlandish for his time. Yet, through his relentless pursuit of knowledge, da Vinci left behind a legacy that forever changed the world. Just as Da Vinci refused to let the limitations of his time halt his progress, Devlin’s story reminds us that creativity is not bound by the opinions of others. Innovation does not come from following the established path; it comes from stepping into the unknown with the courage to see what others do not.

In the case of Stargate, Devlin faced the daunting task of making a science fiction film at a time when the genre was written off as irrelevant. Studios—the gatekeepers of Hollywood—told him that no one wanted to watch such stories, that science fiction had run its course. But Devlin understood something profound—that the imagination of humanity has no end, no expiration date. Science fiction has always been a genre that dares to dream beyond the confines of reality, exploring new worlds, new possibilities, and new ideas. Devlin’s persistence is a reminder that when one door is closed, another can be opened, especially if one is willing to forge ahead with their vision, independent of the obstacles that may arise.

Let us turn to the life of Thomas Edison, whose inventions were often met with rejection, ridicule, and skepticism. When Edison sought to develop the light bulb, the world was filled with those who said it was impossible, that it could never be done. Yet Edison, with unwavering determination, defied the opinions of naysayers and continued his work, eventually bringing forth a revolutionary invention that would light the world for generations to come. Like Edison, Devlin faced the rejection of the established authorities of his industry, but he pressed on, believing in his vision, and ultimately found a way to make Stargate a reality. Through this perseverance, he demonstrated that the visionary can create what others believe is impossible.

O Seekers, Devlin’s journey with Stargate speaks to the heart of what it means to be a creator in the face of doubt. When the established powers of an industry tell you that your dreams cannot be realized, it is easy to be swayed by their authority and accept their limitations. But Devlin refused to surrender. He did not let the opinion of the studios—the gatekeepers of Hollywood—define his future. Instead, he chose to take the power into his own hands, raising the money independently to bring Stargate to life. The success of the film, and the subsequent franchise, is proof that those who believe in their vision, who are willing to take bold steps to make their dreams a reality, can overcome the skepticism of others and create something that will stand the test of time.

The lesson, O Seekers, is clear: vision and creativity are not bound by the opinions of those who claim to hold power. When others tell you that what you seek to create is impossible, when they declare that your dreams belong to a dead genre, it is then that you must rise up with the same courage that Devlin displayed. Trust your vision, pursue it with fervor, and seek new avenues to make it real, even when the path is uncertain. For it is in the face of rejection, in the face of the impossible, that true innovation is born. Like Edison, Da Vinci, and Devlin, you too can bring your dreams to life, defying the voices of doubt, and carving out your own place in the world.

So go forth, O Seekers, and remember this lesson: creativity is not bound by the approval of others, nor by the limitations of the present. The power of vision lies in the courage to follow it, even when others say it cannot be done. Let your dreams be your guide, and know that in the face of rejection and doubt, you have the strength to forge your own path, to create what others believe is impossible, and to bring your vision into the world.