"I think the acting satisfies the need and desire for approval"

William Shatner’s observation captures a fundamental aspect of human psychology through the lens of acting, a profession that not only allows but demands expression, vulnerability, and connection with others. At its core, acting is a mirror reflecting the universal longing to be recognized, understood, and valued by those around us. Entering a character’s mindset and embodying emotions onstage or onscreen, actors risk revealing their innermost selves. The applause, laughter, or tears from the audience serve as powerful affirmations, validating the actor’s talent and presence.

The need for approval is not limited to actors; it’s a thread woven throughout human experience. From early childhood, people look to parents, teachers, and peers for signals that their efforts and feelings are worthy. Acting provides a structured environment in which this pursuit becomes explicit. By performing, actors seek not only to entertain but also to elicit feedback, positive attention that resonates deeply with our social nature. Whether through praise from critics, admiration from fans, or acknowledgment from fellow artists, this approval becomes both a reward and a driving motivation.

Desire for approval, however, isn’t just about ego or vanity. It often stems from a deeper aspiration: the hope to make an impact, to move others emotionally, to provoke thought or change. For many actors, each standing ovation or heartfelt compliment satisfies more than personal pride; it affirms their ability to communicate meaningfully and connect across boundaries of language and culture.

Shatner’s words suggest that acting channels a universal hunger for recognition into a discipline where such validation is earned through hard work, empathy, and creativity. The stage or screen becomes not only a place of performance but also of affirmation, a space where the human craving for approval is not only acknowledged but fulfilled in its most artistic form.