“Storytelling is about two things; it’s about character and plot.”

My life is making movies. I like storytelling, and I’ve got a lot of stories that are stored up in my head that I hope to get out before my time is up.

It’s okay to lose; just don’t lose the lesson.

There is no why. We are. Life is beyond reason.

Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.

Don’t avoid the cliches – they are cliches because they work!

It’s hard work making movies. It’s like being a doctor: you work long hours, very hard hours, and it’s emotional, tense work. If you don’t really love it, then it ain’t worth it.

Whatever has happened in my quest for innovation has been part of my quest for immaculate reality.

It’s now time for me to pass Star Wars on to a new generation of filmmakers. I’ve always believed that Star Wars could live beyond me, and I thought it was important to set up the transition during my lifetime.

The underlying issues, the psychological motives, in all my movies have been the same, he said. Personal responsibility and friendship, the importance of a compassionate life as opposed to a passionate life.

Always remember, your focus determines your reality.

Art is the retelling of certain themes in a new light, making them accessible to the public of the moment.

All the religions are true, they just see a different part of the elephant.

The best way to truly understand narrative art is to experience it.

A special effect is a tool, a means of telling a story. A special effect without a story is a pretty boring thing.

People who alter or destroy works of art and our cultural heritage for profit or as an exercise of power are barbarians.

You simply have to put one foot in front of the other and keep going. Put blinders on and plow right ahead.

You are not defined by an Instagram photo, by a ‘Like,’ by a comment. That does not define you.

Some have brains, and some haven’t, and there it is.

We don’t see things as they are, we see them as we are.

Society’s future will depend on a continuous improvement program for the human character. And what will that future bring? I do not know, but it will be exciting.

You can always tell what kind of a person a man really thinks you are by the earrings he gives you.

Mental toughness is a state of mind – you could call it character in action.

A vote is like a rifle: its usefulness depends upon the character of the user.

I prefer other people to make judgments about the way I play and to characterize me, rather me describe myself.