We're all going to die, all of us; what a circus! That alone should make us love each other, but it doesn't. We are terrorized and flattened by trivialities. We are eaten up by nothing.
- Charles Bukowski -

‘I didn’t need Gary vaynerchuck to tell me to do my thing’. I love this guy lmao, just real.

“Dedication without talent is meaningless”  -Bukowski

Don’t try could also mean “just do”

I remember being extremely passionate about the arts in grade school and then when it came to "pick a career" everyone was shocked when I said I wanted to be an actor. "Be practical. Be realistic." That still blows my mind. Your generation encouraged us to follow our dreams but then when we pick something you love you say "not like that". Thanks for pointing this out Tim. I prefer "don't try"

Excellent point by Tim. Lex's "I like robots, I followed my dream and became successful" does not work when you look at his background. He comes from a family of academics and his passions were supported.

Don't try if your trying for a end-goal. Try if the act of trying is the goal.

My interpretation of "don't try" is that he is saying if you're going to dedicate yourself to something, it should be something you could do for hours without it being work. Hence, you do not try. He also said, "If you're going to try, go all the way. Otherwise, don't even start". If you are going through something that you cannot bring yourself to complete, you should never have started, much less continue. Don't try doesn't mean things are going to be bad anyways so don't put your effort into a system that doesn't work. While there is truth to that, that's just not what he is saying at all.

"Don't try" is a road map and soundboard for recognizing your true passion. "Don't try" underscores, "if this is work then move on".  He gave us a flashlight. I believe he spent his life gifting us with words. It makes sense his last ones would be a gift as well.

I also take the quote "Don't Try" to mean "Don't force it". If you aren't obsessively writing constantly, then "don't try" to be a writer because you'll never make it without enough obsession. Be what you are naturally.

I can't read Bukowski's mind, but the "Don't Try" slogan seems to me to be a reference to probably his most famous poem, "Roll the Dice"

if you’re going to try, go all the
way.
otherwise, don’t even start.

if you’re going to try, go all the
way. this could mean losing girlfriends,
wives, relatives, jobs and
maybe your mind.

go all the way.
it could mean not eating for 3 or
4 days.
it could mean freezing on a
park bench.
it could mean jail,
it could mean derision,
mockery,
isolation.
isolation is the gift,
all the others are a test of your
endurance, of
how much you really want to
do it.
and you’ll do it
despite rejection and the
worst odds
and it will be better than
anything else
you can imagine.

if you’re going to try,
go all the way.
there is no other feeling like
that.
you will be alone with the
gods
and the nights will flame with
fire.

do it, do it, do it.
do it.

all the way
all the way.
you will ride life straight to
perfect laughter,
it’s the only good fight
there is.

I find Tim not only funny, but spot on with a lot of his insights.

Lex wearing his suit while Tim wear an oversized Polo Sport t-shirt is an underrated aspect of this intellectual interview

"Dream in a pragmatic way" - Aldous Huxley... I think this is pretty much what Tim Dillion was saying.

I love the way in which Tim Dillon just kept it real. He's right some people might follow their dreams and succeed at making them a reality. But most people, no matter how hard they try, they never reach their ultimate goals. I'm one of these people. I went for my dreams and failed. But, i know that i gained so much as well. 😉

Amidst all the positive and uplifting messages, Tim Dillon has found a place reminding us that we're not all special in the most agreeable way possible.

God damn Tim is spitting the absolute truth. It’s very easy for somebody like Lex that is smart and talented to lose sight of the fact that very few people share those attributes. People need to find a career that is useful and they don’t hate doing. And just work on that. You can pursue “your dreams” in your spare time.

The thing about people who "make it" in whatever field their dedication lies, have an internal urge to do the thing they are good at which they couldnt even resist if they wanted to. They arent trying, they are doing because they can´t live without doing.

Love this interview!! I'm 55 and I wish I heard this content at 25!

Lex, your questions are truly phenomenal. You have this wonderful way of viewing guests as opportunities. Every time you open your mouth there is so much deliberation in what you’re thinking. Makes your podcast really enjoyable and fresh, as you’re genuinely trying to dig and be curious. It’s funny how Tim sees himself as not fitting into your world, as I feel you both have a great energy about you that seems to compliment well.