Able Quote by Joseph Chaikin
![“The [Great] Actor is able to approach in himself a cosmic dread as large as life. He is able to go from his dread to a joy so sweet that it is without limit. Only then will the actor have direct access to the life that moves in him, which is as free as his breathing. And like his breathing, he…” quote by Joseph Chaikin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e60/joseph-chaikin-140065_able_the-great-actor-is-able-to-approach-in-h_1364762.jpg)
“The [Great] Actor is able to approach in himself a cosmic dread as large as life. He is able to go from his dread to a joy so sweet that it is without limit. Only then will the actor have direct access to the life that moves in him, which is as free as his breathing. And like his breathing, he doesn't cause it to happen. He doesn't contain it, and it doesn't contain him.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Actor's Art and Craft, Joseph Chaikin, 1975
The actor must confront existential fear and transform it into limitless joy, accessing a free, spontaneous life force within.
In simple terms: Face fear, turn it into joy, access inner freedom.
Key Takeaway
Embrace fear, find joy, act freely.
Themes
creativity
existential
performance
freedom
emotion
Mood
introspective
inspired
reflective
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- stage performance
- personal meditation
- creative rehearsal
- emotional release
- mindfulness practice
Key Concepts
Existential dread
transcendence
flow state
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you maintain joy after confronting fear?
- What practices help keep inner freedom alive?
A Different Perspective
The actor may struggle to sustain joy beyond the moment of transformation.
![“I'm a big fan of [Frank] Sinatra, he was the best at what he did. The last thing I do is model my career after him, though, because we do different things. He was a great singer and a great actor ... It never crossed my mind to emulate his career, because we have different interests.” quote by Harry Connick, Jr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/cb9/harry-connick-jr-3461_actors_i-m-a-big-fan-of-frank-sinatra-he-was-th_12425.jpg)
![“Bill [Condon] is such a great actor's director. He cares about what you're thinking. And, he's very open. Even though he was pressed for time, and he was doing two movies at once, and all this stuff was happening around him, he would still take time to sit there and talk to you about your scene…” quote by Kellan Lutz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/90e/kellan-lutz-2950_actors_bill-condon-is-such-a-great-actor-s-dire_849580.jpg)
