cmaxwell

(from a yet-to-be-published screenplay)

MOLLY
You dont really remember your entire past, do you? So you make up stories and fill in the gaps. We do it all the time. Thats what we call our personality. Its made up largely of past failures projected into the future to become imaginary limits on our abilities.
MAX
But we cant just make up everything as we go along.

MOLLY
Sez who? You believe, for instance, that youre incapable of writing something that will change the world. You used to think you could, but youve given up on that.
MAX
How did you know that?
MOLLY
I know a lot of things. What if I told you that you actually could change the world, and not just by writing, but by remaking the past?
MAX
Id say you were crazy.
MOLLY
But Im not. Its just that I can see your capabilities in ways that you cant. Max, dont you realize that what you believe about yourself and what youre capable of is largely a product of manipulation?
MAX
Its based on my experiences.
MOLLY
Were being told all the time what to think about ourselves. On television. In magazines. In movies. And by the government. Were told were unhappy--so take a drug.

Were told were not in charge of our health--so see a doctor and take some pills. Were told were not loveable--so buy our products if you want to get laid.

Not sexy enough--enlarge your boobs, make your penis rock hard for hours.

Were told were powerless--and politicians have all the solutions. Trust them. Were told were bored and need constantly to be entertained--so watch TV.

Were told we never have enough money to be happy--so go to the casino, play the lottery, throw away what money you have.
MAX
So how am I supposed to overcome all that?
MOLLY
Believe in yourself. Because in fact youre a God. And everything else is just a story.