ENGLISH SPEECH | BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH: Just Do It! (English Subtitles)

Summary

In this heartfelt letter to Eva, the writer encourages her to embrace her creative process without fear or self-doubt. They praise her work as 'real nonsense' and urge her to continue exploring her unique style, even if it means producing 'bad' work to break free from constraints. The writer empathizes with Eva's struggles, suggesting that her agony might be a driving force for improvement, and emphasizes the importance of confidence in one's abilities. They also share updates on their own work and an upcoming exhibition, expressing a desire to see Eva's progress.

Takeaways

• 💪 Embrace the right to assert yourself and say 'F*ck, You' to the world when needed.
• 🤔 Stop overthinking and worrying; it's okay to let go and just 'DO'.
• 🎨 Your artwork is valued for its 'real nonsense' and uniqueness; continue to explore that.
• 🚫 Don't conform to expectations; create your own 'uncool' and make your own world.
• 😱 Use your fear and anxiety as fuel for your art; let it drive your creativity.
• 🧠 Practice being unthinking and empty to free yourself from constraints and enhance your ability to 'DO'.
• 🔧 Try doing 'BAD' work intentionally to see what happens and to break free from self-imposed limitations.
• 🌐 You are not responsible for the world; focus on your work and let everything else go.
• 🤷‍♂️ Your work doesn't need to conform to any preconceived ideas; it can be anything you want it to be.
• 🔄 Understand that periodic reappraisal and self-doubt might be a necessary part of your creative process.

Q & A

What is the main message that the writer, Sol, is trying to convey to Eva?

Sol is encouraging Eva to embrace her creativity without fear or self-doubt, to stop overthinking, and to simply create without worrying about external judgments or expectations.

How does Sol describe Eva's current state of mind?

Sol perceives Eva as being troubled and tormented, constantly doubting and worrying, which is causing her to struggle with her work and life.

What does Sol suggest Eva do to overcome her current state?

Sol advises Eva to practice being 'stupid, dumb, unthinking, empty' to free herself from overthinking and to focus on doing rather than worrying.

What does Sol mean by 'Learn to say “F*ck, You” to the world once in a while'?

This phrase is a metaphor for telling Eva to assert her independence and not to be swayed by the opinions of others, to stand up for herself and her work.

What kind of work does Sol think Eva is doing?

Sol believes Eva's work is 'very good', describing it as 'clean, clear but crazy like machines, larger and bolder', and encourages her to continue in this vein.

How does Sol view the concept of 'purpose' and 'way of life' in relation to Eva's work?

Sol suggests that Eva should not worry about having a consistent approach or a preconceived purpose in her work, but rather let it evolve naturally.

What does Sol mean by 'practice being stupid'?

By 'practice being stupid', Sol is urging Eva to let go of over-analysis and self-criticism, allowing for more freedom and spontaneity in her creative process.

How does Sol feel about Eva's potential?

Sol has a lot of confidence in Eva's abilities and believes that she is capable of doing great work despite her current struggles.

What does Sol suggest as a method to possibly improve Eva's work?

Sol suggests that Eva should try doing 'BAD work', the worst she can think of, to see what happens and possibly find a new perspective or inspiration.

What is the significance of the phrase 'relax and let everything go to hell' in the context of the letter?

This phrase is an encouragement for Eva to let go of her worries and responsibilities, to not be overly concerned with outcomes, and to focus on the process of creation.

What does Sol mean by 'you are only responsible for your work'?

Sol is emphasizing that Eva should focus on her own creative output and not be burdened by the expectations or judgments of the world, but rather on her own personal artistic journey.

How does Sol describe his own creative process?

Sol describes his own creative process as one of 'Agonizing Reappraisal', where he constantly reassesses and changes his work, striving for improvement and growth.

What is the significance of the upcoming show mentioned by Sol?

The upcoming show at the Daniels Gallery is significant as it represents a milestone in Sol's artistic journey and a chance for him to share his improved work with others.

How does Sol perceive the role of 'agony' in the creative process?

Sol suggests that the agony or pain Eva feels might be a necessary part of her creative process, pushing her to do better and to constantly strive for improvement.

What advice does Sol give regarding Eva's thoughts and ego?

Sol advises Eva to leave the 'world' and 'ART' alone and to stop preoccupying herself with her ego, focusing instead on the act of creation itself.

Outlines

00:00

🤯 Encouragement to Embrace Chaos and Creativity

The first paragraph is a passionate letter to Eva, urging her to let go of her worries and doubts and to embrace a more carefree approach to life and art. The writer encourages Eva to be more daring in her work, to explore her 'weird humor,' and to create without the constraints of conventional thinking. The letter also touches on the importance of doing 'bad' work to break free from the pressure of perfection, and to practice being unthinking to allow for more spontaneous creation. The writer expresses confidence in Eva's abilities and suggests that her inner turmoil might be a driving force for her creativity.

05:04

🎨 Artistic Growth and Forthcoming Exhibitions

The second paragraph continues the letter, with the writer sharing updates about their own artistic journey and the evolution of their work since Eva's departure. They mention an upcoming exhibition at the Daniels Gallery, expressing a wish for Eva to attend. The writer also discusses the work of a third person, Tom, whose new pieces have impressed them, particularly those with simpler and more rigorous forms. The letter concludes with an invitation for Eva to share updates about her own exhibitions and a reaffirmation of the writer's admiration for her work, while also encouraging her to believe in her abilities and to take bold artistic risks.

Keywords

💡Empowerment

Empowerment refers to the process of becoming stronger and more confident, especially in controlling one's life and claiming one's rights. In the script, the writer encourages Eva to say 'F*ck, You' to the world, which is an expression of empowerment, urging her to take control and not be held back by societal expectations or her own doubts.

💡Creativity

Creativity is the use of imagination or original ideas to produce something new and valuable. The script emphasizes the importance of creativity in Eva's work, suggesting that she should embrace 'real nonsense' and produce more nonsensical and crazy work, which implies the freedom to explore and innovate without constraints.

💡Fear

Fear is an emotional response to perceived threats or danger. The writer advises Eva to turn her fear into a tool for her work, suggesting that she should draw and paint her fear and anxiety. This shows that fear can be channeled into a creative process, transforming a negative emotion into a source of artistic inspiration.

💡Purpose

Purpose refers to the reason for which something is done or created, or for which something exists. The script mentions the struggle of deciding on a purpose and way of life, indicating the internal conflict Eva faces regarding the direction and meaning of her work and life choices.

💡Stupidity

Stupidity is the lack of intelligence or common sense. However, in the context of the script, the writer encourages Eva to practice being 'stupid, dumb, unthinking, empty,' which is a call to let go of overthinking and to allow for more spontaneity and freedom in her creative process.

💡Responsibility

Responsibility is the state or fact of being accountable or to blame for something. The writer tells Eva that she is only responsible for her work, not for the world, which is a reminder that one's creative endeavors should not be burdened by the weight of global issues or societal expectations.

💡Conformity

Conformity is the act of complying with or adhering to established conventions or norms. The script advises against conforming to preconceived forms, ideas, or flavors, advocating for the creation of unique and personal work that defies traditional standards.

💡Agony

Agony refers to intense physical or mental suffering. The writer acknowledges the agony that Eva might be experiencing as a driving force for her work, suggesting that this pain could be a catalyst for pushing her to create better art.

💡Confidence

Confidence is the belief in oneself and one's abilities. The script encourages Eva to have confidence in her work and to act without overthinking, which implies that self-assurance is crucial for overcoming creative blocks and producing art.

💡Outrageous

Outrageous means shockingly unconventional or absurd. The writer challenges Eva to try the most outrageous things she can, which is an encouragement to break boundaries and explore the limits of her creativity, potentially leading to surprising and impactful work.

💡Ego

Ego is the part of the mind that mediates between the conscious and the unconscious, or the self. The script suggests that Eva should quit fondling her ego, meaning she should not be overly concerned with her self-image or how her work is perceived by others, allowing her to focus on the creative process itself.

Highlights

Embrace the right to say 'F*ck, You' to the world occasionally to combat overthinking and anxiety.

The work described as 'clean, clear but crazy like machines' is praised as fine and wonderful nonsense.

Encouragement to create more nonsensical and outrageous art, including elements like machines, breasts, penises, and cunts.

Advice to tap into one's 'weird humor' and create a personal, uncool world through art.

The suggestion to use fear and anxiety as fuel for artistic creation.

The idea of practicing being 'stupid, dumb, unthinking' to facilitate the act of creation.

Confidence in the recipient's abilities, despite their self-torment, is expressed.

The challenge to create 'BAD work' to see what happens and to break free from perfectionism.

The notion that one's work doesn't need to conform to any preconceived form or idea.

The reminder that one is only responsible for their work, not the world.

The possibility that the recipient's agony might be a driving force for improvement.

The suggestion to have confidence in one's work without overthinking it.

The advice to leave the 'world' and 'ART' alone and to stop being preoccupied with one's ego.

The importance of emptying one's mind before and during work to focus purely on the task.

The belief that one doesn't need to justify their work, not even to themselves.

The expression of admiration for the recipient's work and confusion over their self-bothering.

The encouragement to try the most outrageous things to shock oneself and explore creative boundaries.

The mention of the sender's work having changed and improved since the recipient left.

An invitation to the sender's upcoming show at the Daniels Gallery, expressing a wish for the recipient's presence.

Transcripts

Dear Eva, It will be almost a month since you wrote

to me and you have possibly forgotten your state of mind (I doubt it though). You seem

the same as always, and being you, hate every minute of it. Don’t! Learn to say “F*ck

You” to the world once in a while. You have every right to. Just stop thinking, worrying,

looking over your shoulder, wondering, doubting, fearing, hurting, hoping for some easy way

out, struggling, grasping, confusing, itching, scratching, mumbling, bumbling, grumbling,

humbling, stumbling, numbling, rambling, gambling, tumbling, scumbling, scrambling, hitching,

hatching, bitching, moaning, groaning, honing, boning, horse-shitting, hair-splitting, nit-picking,

piss-trickling, nose sticking, ass-gouging, eyeball-poking, finger-pointing, alleyway-sneaking,

long waiting, small stepping, evil-eyeing, back-scratching, searching, perching, besmirching,

grinding, grinding, grinding away at yourself. Stop it and just DO.

From your description, and from what I know of your previous work and your ability; the

work you are doing sounds very good “Drawing — clean — clear but crazy like machines, larger and bolder…

real nonsense.” That sounds fine, wonderful — real nonsense. Do more. More nonsensical, more

crazy, more machines, more breasts, penises, cunts, whatever — make them abound with

nonsense. Try and tickle something inside you, your “weird humor.” You belong in

the most secret part of you. Don’t worry about cool, make your own uncool. Make your

own, your own world. If you fear, make it work for you — draw & paint your fear

& anxiety. And stop worrying about big, deep things such as “to decide on a purpose and

way of life, a consistant approach to even some impossible end or even an imagined end.”

You must practice being stupid, dumb, unthinking, empty. Then you will be able to DO.

I have much confidence in you and even though you are tormenting yourself, the work you

do is very good. Try to do some BAD work — the worst you can think of and see what happens

but mainly relax and let everything go to hell — you are not responsible for the

world — you are only responsible for your work — so DO IT. And don’t think

that your work has to conform to any preconceived form, idea or flavor. It can be anything you

want it to be. But if life would be easier for you if you stopped working — then

stop. Don’t punish yourself. However, I think that it is so deeply engrained in you

that it would be easier to DO. It seems I do understand your attitude somewhat,

anyway, because I go through a similar process every so often. I have an “Agonizing Reappraisal”

of my work and change everything as much as possible — and hate everything I’ve

done, and try to do something entirely different and better. Maybe that kind of process is

necessary to me, pushing me on and on. The feeling that I can do better than that shit

I just did. Maybe you need your agony to accomplish what you do. And maybe it goads you on to

do better. But it is very painful I know. It would be better if you had the confidence

just to do the stuff and not even think about it. Can’t you leave the “world” and

“ART” alone and also quit fondling your ego. I know that you (or anyone) can only

work so much and the rest of the time you are left with your thoughts. But when you

work or before your work you have to empty your mind and concentrate on what you are

doing. After you do something it is done and that’s that. After a while you can see some

are better than others but also you can see what direction you are going. I’m sure you

know all that. You also must know that you don’t have to justify your work — not

even to yourself. Well, you know I admire your work greatly and can’t understand why

you are so bothered by it. But you can see the next ones & I can’t. You also must believe

in your ability. I think you do. So try the most outrageous things you can — shock

yourself. You have at your power the ability to do anything.

I would like to see your work and will have to be content to wait until Aug or Sept. I

have seen photos of some of Tom’s new things at Lucy’s. They are very impressive — especially

the ones with the more rigorous form; the simpler ones. I guess he’ll send some more

later on. Let me know how the shows are going and that kind of stuff.

My work has changed since you left and it is much better. I will be having a show May

4–29 at the Daniels Gallery 17 E 64th St (where Emmerich was), I wish you could be

there. Much love to you both. Sol