"Ils n'essayaient pas d'être commerciaux. Ils faisaient simplement ce qu'ils aimaient et ils étaient intéressés par la forme d'art."

The essence of this quote is simple: true creativity and passion often stem from doing what you love without worrying about commercial success. When you throw commercial intent out the window, the focus shifts to pure expression and artistry. This idea reminds us that genuine, heartfelt work can resonate deeply with others, even if making money isn’t the main goal.

Think about the 1960s, a time of great cultural upheaval and artistic innovation. This was when bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones emerged. They weren’t initially trying to become global superstars. They were just a bunch of guys who loved playing music together, experimenting with sounds, and expressing their feelings and views about the world. Their focus on the art form itself—rather than on chart-topping hits or million-dollar deals—allowed them to create groundbreaking music that still resonates with people today. They were fearless in their creativity because they weren’t constrained by commercial expectations.

Let’s take a modern example. Consider indie filmmakers. They pour their souls into creating films with limited budgets and resources. They’re not backed by major studios or aiming for the next blockbuster. Instead, they tell stories that matter to them, stories that they feel need to be told. Think of something like "The Blair Witch Project." Made on a shoestring budget, it wasn’t supposed to be a commercial hit. But its raw, authentic storytelling struck a chord with audiences, turning it into a massive success. The filmmakers were driven by their passion for the horror genre and their desire to innovate within it.

So, how can you apply this wisdom to your own life? Start by identifying what you genuinely love to do. It could be painting, coding, writing, cooking, or anything else. Focus on the joy and satisfaction you get from the process rather than the potential rewards. When you’re immersed in something you’re passionate about, your enthusiasm will shine through. People can sense authenticity and are naturally drawn to it.

Now, imagine your friend Lucy. She’s always had a knack for baking, whipping up the most delicious and creative cakes you’ve ever tasted. She’s thought about starting a baking business, but she’s worried she won’t make enough money. You remind her of the quote’s wisdom: if she focuses on her love for baking and the art of creating beautiful, delectable cakes, she’s more likely to produce something truly special. So, Lucy starts small, baking cakes for friends and family events, experimenting with new flavors and designs just because she loves it. Word spreads about her amazing cakes, and soon enough, she’s got a steady stream of orders. Her business grows, not because she was trying to become the next big thing, but because her passion and authenticity shone through every cake she made.

In essence, when you immerse yourself in what you love without getting bogged down by commercial pressures, you create something real and unique. And often, this authenticity and dedication to your craft can lead to success—perhaps even more than if you’d been chasing after it from the start. So, keep your focus on the art, the craft, the passion. The rest will follow naturally.