On Jerry Maguire and internet writers

“There are above all two kinds of writers: those who write for the sake of what they have to say and those who write for the sake of writing."

Jerry Maguire was a hotshot sports agent who had it all: famous clients, big money, and a bright future.

But one night, feeling existential, he questioned his life’s purpose. He had everything he always wanted, but he wasn’t fulfilled. 

He sat down and wrote a mission statement, a brutally honest reflection on how his industry had lost its soul. 

“Fewer clients. More attention. Caring about people,” he wrote. 

It got him fired, stripped of his status, and left him with only one client who believed in him. 

But it also gave him something far greater: A chance to rediscover his purpose.

Internet writers are like 16-year-old boys

They flaunt income reports, measure success in six-figure launches, and turn their words into products as fast as possible. They pump out 50 pieces of content daily.

The writing world has been like a teenage boy’s locker room: A competition to out-earn and out-flex the next writer. 

But lately, something has shifted.

I’m seeing more and more writers who are having their own Jerry Maguire moments. 

They’re questioning their purpose, rethinking the endless chase for clicks and cash, and wondering: 

• “Is this really why I started writing in the first place?”

• “Is this about money, or is it about meaning?” 

• “Do I want to be a writer or just a salesman who happens to type?”

Like Jerry, we’re facing a choice. 

Do we keep chasing the money, or do we step back and ask: What are we really trying to say?

Schopenhauer and the critique of fake writers

Look, this phenomenon of salespeople pretending to be writers is not new. 

Arthur Schopenhauer, the German philosopher, wrote this in the 1800s:

“There are above all two kinds of writers: those who write for the sake of what they have to say and those who write for the sake of writing. The former have had ideas or experiences which seem to them worth communicating; the latter need money and that is why they write – for money.”

While most of us like to believe we write because we have something to say, the truth is that the majority of our writing is for money or recognition. 

Now, you might think, “A journalist or copywriter uses their words to earn money.” That’s true. But that’s not what Schopenhauer meant. 

Schopenhauer was only talking about people who deliberately write without actually saying anything just to make money. 

They are not in it for the writing but for the money. 

Good writing is genuine

Now, Jerry Maguire is kind of a silly movie. It’s a typical 90s feel-good theme. But ultimately, the movie is about the age-old conflict between material success and personal fulfillment. 

It’s about rediscovering your principles and pursuing a life built on genuine relationships, integrity, and passion rather than just wealth or status. 

Jerry starts as a slick, money-driven sports agent but learns that focusing on quality over quantity (clients, relationships, and values) brings deeper happiness and meaning.

Fortunately, many writers are following that same path. They start with a money obsession, and over time, they realize it’s not fulfilling.

They started writing for the love of the written word. They felt like they had something to say. But they just got distracted by money. 

Let’s be honest though: Haven’t we all been there?

Ultimately, writing is not only about you. It’s about the reader.

When people start to write for their gain, it automatically becomes bad. The writer only cares about saying things that please others.

Write your truth. 

Write what you actually mean and believe. 

And don’t be afraid to piss some people off. That’s the only writing worth reading.

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