Once upon a time, a young artist stood in a crowded gallery, surrounded by paintings, sculptures, and installations. As the evening wore on, he noticed how people gravitated toward a particular piece—one that wasn’t his.
It won accolades, praise, and was deemed the “best” by critics. Despite this, the artist felt no jealousy. Instead, he thought about the satisfaction he got from creating his own work.
That’s when he realized: being the best wasn’t what truly mattered. What mattered was finding meaning in the process, the joy in creating something that reflected his vision, not someone else’s standards.
This sentiment is echoed in the words of Damien Hirst: “Being best is a false goal, you have to measure success on your own terms.”
Hirst is known for pushing boundaries in the art world, becoming one of the wealthiest artists in history. Yet, in this quote, he emphasizes that true success isn’t about external validation or competition. It’s about defining what success means personally.
Hirst’s message resonates deeply in a world where people are often pressured to chase wealth, status, and awards. Society tends to measure success with tangible rewards—fame, money, and recognition.
But Hirst challenges this notion, urging individuals to rethink what they truly value. For him, success lies not in being the “best” but in pursuing one’s own vision, collaborating with others, and finding joy in the process of creation.
In his own career, Hirst has defied convention repeatedly, creating provocative art that tackles themes like death, beauty, and human frailty.
While his work has received both acclaim and criticism, Hirst has remained true to his artistic vision. He collaborates fearlessly, pushes creative boundaries, and prioritizes personal fulfillment over fitting into predefined molds of success.
Ultimately, Hirst’s perspective encourages us to focus on what truly matters—our growth, our passions, and the satisfaction we derive from our work.
Success is not a universal standard but a deeply personal journey. By shifting our focus from being the “best” to embracing our unique paths, we allow ourselves the freedom to succeed on our own terms.
Thought Of The Day: Saturday, September 21, 2024:
“Being best is a false goal, you have to measure success on your own terms.”
― Damien Hirst