May the 4th Be With You: Quotes on Building an Empire From George Lucas Fans celebrate the mega film saga every year this day.

entrepreneur daily

Denis Makarenko | Shutterstock.com

Not many people can claim they've truly shaped popular culture, but George Lucas can. His creation, Star Wars, didn't just render an entire fictional universe, but also a full-fledged cultural phenomenon. Total ticket sales alone are in the billions, and the franchise has brought more than $32 billion to retailers through related novels, video games and fan projects galore. (One recent project merged Star Wars with the iconic Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album by The Beatles.)

Related: New Star Wars Film Is a Marketing Force Brands Should Study

Meanwhile, Lucas is also a successful entrepreneur, founding Lucasfilm, which he sold to Disney in 2012 for more than $4 billion, and Industrial Light & Magic, a visual effects company that was also acquired by Disney.

Star Wars fans have unofficially celebrated May 4 for years, but formal events started popping up in 2011. The pun that sparked the event -- "May the Fourth Be With You" -- has been a classic for decades, first used in 1979.

In honor of Star Wars, we've collected 10 quotes from the franchise's creator, George Lucas. Let them give you some insight on how this innovator approaches his work -- and inspire your next success.

On work

"I am simply trying to struggle through life; trying to do God's bidding."

On passion

"It's hard work making movies. It's like being a doctor: you work long hours, very hard hours, and it's emotional, tense work. If you don't really love it, then it ain't worth it."

On the struggle to build something

"Making a film is like putting out a fire with sieve. There are so many elements, and it gets so complicated."

On the power of success

"The object is to try to get the system to work for you, instead of against you. And the only way you can do it is through success, I'm afraid."

On the drawbacks of success

"From being a struggling, starving filmmaker to being incredibly successful in a period of a couple of years is quite a powerful experience, and not necessarily a good one."

On the irony of success

"I hate corporations and I'm not happy that they have taken over the film business but on the same hand I find myself being the head of a corporation. There's a certain irony there."

On taking control

"I took over control of the merchandising not because I thought it was going to make me rich, but because I wanted to control it. I wanted to make a stand for social, safety and quality reasons. I didn't want someone using the name Star Wars on a piece of junk."

Related: 3 Lessons About Mental Toughness You Can Learn From Yoda

On believing in your vision

"Right or wrong, this is my movie, this is my decision, and this is my creative vision, and if people don't like it, they don't have to see it."

On the privileges mega success gives you

"I've worked hard enough and earned enough to fail for the rest of my life. And I'm gonna do it!"

Entrepreneur Staff

Entrepreneur Staff

Editor

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Side Hustle

This Gen Zer's Stylish Side Hustle Earns About $20,000 a Month and Paid Off His Parents' $200,000 Debt: 'I Enjoy the Hands-Off Nature'

Ray Cao went from working as a barista for $8 an hour to being a successful seller on online marketplace StockX.

Business News

Make $177,566 With No Experience in 3 Months: A Popular Online 'Side Hustle' Course Is Under Investigation After Customers Complain About Its Deceptive Claims

"All you need is a phone, a laptop, wi-fi and one to three hours a day," one affiliate marketer said in a video posted to social media.

Productivity

6 Habits That Help Successful People Maximize Their Time

There aren't enough hours in the day, but these tips will make them feel slightly more productive.

Business News

'A Lobstrosity': Social Media Is Losing It Over Martha Stewart's Latest Meal Posting

The 82-year-old caused quite a stir on Instagram this week.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Business News

This Retailer Is the Latest to Remove a Major Feature From Its Stores Due to Rising Theft

Five Below CEO Joel Anderson addressed the company's plans to combat theft in an earnings call earlier this week.