"I think you've got to have your feet planted firmly on the ground, especially in this business, and you must not believe things that are said or written about you, because everything gets out of proportion one way or the other"

Judi Dench's quote reflects a deep understanding of the obstacles faced by individuals in the show business, and her words hold valuable wisdom for anyone navigating a public or high-pressure career. At its core, the quote stresses the value of maintaining a grounded and realistic viewpoint, regardless of external perceptions and narratives that can typically become overstated or distorted.

By mentioning, "you've got to have your feet planted strongly on the ground", Dench underscores the necessity of staying linked to truth and personal worths. In the home entertainment business, where popularity and attention can quickly misshape one's self-image and priorities, staying grounded assists an individual to remain true to themselves and prevent being swept away by external pressures or superficial temptations.

The latter part of the quote, "you need to not believe things that are said or written about you, because whatever leaves proportion one way or the other", highlights the typically manipulated nature of public perception. Dench remarks on the tendency for public narratives to end up being inflated, whether favorable or negative, recommending a disparity in between truth and image. This insight calls for a critical technique to feedback and criticism, advising people to develop a sense of self-awareness that is independent of external validations or criticisms.

In essence, Dench's words advocate for inner strength and credibility. By suggesting a grounded position and warning versus the belief in possibly distorted external perceptions, she advises a type of self-possession that is crucial for psychological stability and genuine success. Her insights apply beyond the entertainment industry, functioning as a suggestion of the universal requirement for self-awareness and the capability to filter and comprehend external impacts without losing one's core identity.