Matthew McConaughey has explained his decision to decline a part worth $14.5 million (£11.45 million). For most people, declining that type of money would be quite foolish. But McConaughey had a very solid reason for declining that big payoff.

Whenever the celebrity does an interview, there is a sense of self-awareness that is always pleasant to hear. This time, the 55-year-old spoke on a recent edition of Chris Williamson’s Modern Wisdom podcast to discuss his profession and how money isn’t always the most important element. “Now, money and celebrity are the definition of success. He began by saying, “It appears that whoever has more—more access, more money—wins.” “I’ve met many very rich men who have chased the dollar to be successful and relevant,” he says, adding that many actors sacrifice quality for quantity.

He argued that ‘there’s no way I’d be less satisfied’ if I received less money, disclosing that he turned down $14.5 million. In 2008, the Hollywood Reporter reported that a remake of Magnum, P.I. offered McConaughey millions of dollars. However, he was pursuing a long-term strategy. “I’d been away long enough to inspire a fresh, good idea.” ‘Where’s McConaughey?’” McConaughey told the host that he didn’t want to spend his entire life making comedy films. “You don’t say no to a $14.5m offer.” He received the role of Ron Woodroof in the 2013 film Dallas Buyers Club, which won him an Oscar, two years later. At the time, he told the publication, “Taking a year and a half off and saying no to things in some form or fashion made me a new good idea.”
“Sometimes the target draws the arrow.”

On the podcast, McConaughey also discussed the concept that people are not satisfied enough when they do excellent things. “What do you think happens when you succeed and many others say, ‘Nope, that’s nothing?’” McConaughey asked. “I suggested that we should dedicate some time to reflect on our accomplishments and affirm, ‘Well done; you achieved what you set out to achieve.’” At the same time, we should be able to look in the mirror when we fail and say, ‘Oh crap, you [did] not pull it off’. “You know what I mean?”