“I always want to feel like this, to be at stake. I guess that's what makes the work interesting to me—the feeling that I'm at stake, as opposed to whatever level of comfort may come from some security that usually goes with success”
— Daniel Day Lewis
Simplified Meaning:
The person is saying that they enjoy feeling like they have something important to lose when they are working. This sense of risk and challenge makes their work exciting and fulfilling. Imagine a tightrope walker performing without a safety net. Knowing they have to stay focused and balanced or they might fall keeps them alert and engaged. Similarly, in any job or project, if everything feels too safe and guaranteed, it might become boring because there’s no thrill or drive to push harder. They find that constantly facing challenges and not just resting on their past successes keeps their work interesting. Anyone can apply this by choosing to step out of their comfort zone and take on new, challenging tasks, which can lead to personal growth and keep their lives stimulating.
