"I stopped working a few years ago because I just lost a spark that I'd had before. I thought I'd just try writing, and maybe start directing, but I did it very quietly"

Dustin Hoffman's quote recommends that he had a passion for his work that he had actually lost. He chose to take a break from working and rather concentrate on composing and directing, however he did it in a more subtle method. This might suggest that he was not as positive in his brand-new pursuits as he was in his previous work, or that he was not exactly sure if he wanted to make a huge statement about his new career path. It might likewise indicate that he was unsure if he wanted to make a huge dedication to his new pursuits, and so he was taking a more careful method. Whatever the reason, it is clear that Dustin Hoffman had a passion for his work that he had lost, and he chose to take a break and check out other innovative outlets.