Steven Spielberg, the legendary filmmaker behind iconic movies like 'Jaws,' 'Jurassic Park,' 'Indiana Jones,' and 'E.T.,' recently shared profound insights on the distinction between intuition and conscience during his commencement address at Harvard University. Speaking to the Harvard Alumni Association and the Class of 2016, Spielberg emphasized the importance of listening to one's inner voice and trusting intuition over external pressures.
What Did Steven Spielberg Say?
Spielberg began by acknowledging the influence of parents, professors, employers, and mentors who fill our heads with wisdom and information. However, he noted that doubt often creeps in when these authoritative voices clash with our own perspectives. "It's easier to just nod in agreement and go along," he admitted, "but for a while, I let that going along define my character." He recalled repressing his own point of view, quoting the Nilsson song: 'Everybody was talkin' at me, so I couldn't hear the echoes of my mind.'
The turning point came when he started paying attention to his internal voice. "At first, the internal voice I needed to listen to was hardly audible, and it was hardly noticeable—kind of like me in high school. But then I started paying more attention, and my intuition kicked in."
The Core Distinction
Spielberg clarified the difference between intuition and conscience: "I want to be clear that your intuition is different from your conscience. They work in tandem, but here's the distinction: Your conscience shouts, 'here's what you should do,' while your intuition whispers, 'here's what you could do.' Listen to that voice that tells you what you could do. Nothing will define your character more than that."
He explained that conscience is ruled by the mind, operating on a moral and emotional compass to judge right and wrong. Intuition, on the other hand, sets you free, giving you wings to act on your potential and sometimes go beyond it. This, he said, ultimately defines your character.
How Intuition Shaped Spielberg's Career
The Oscar-winning filmmaker credited his intuition for guiding his career choices. "Once I turned to my intuition and tuned into it, certain projects began to pull me into them, and others, I turned away from." This approach led him to create some of the most beloved films in cinema history.
Spielberg's first major directorial effort was 'The Sugarland Express' (1974), which earned him recognition as a rising star. But it was 'Jaws' (1975) that made him an international superstar. He then explored UFO stories with 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' (1977). His upcoming film, 'Disclosure Day,' starring Emily Blunt, continues his fascination with extraterrestrial life and is slated for release on June 12, 2026.
About Steven Spielberg
Steven Spielberg is one of the most influential personalities in Hollywood. According to IMDb, he has won 220 titles across different awards and genres, with 358 prestigious nominations. His work spans decades, and he continues to inspire audiences worldwide.
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