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I am not up there by chance. I am there by choice. And I know the wire. And I know my limits. And I am a madman of details.
Philippe Petit
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote emphasizes the importance of choice and awareness in achieving one's goals.

Philippe Petit's quote reflects the dedication and intentionality required to accomplish extraordinary feats. He highlights that his success as a high-wire artist isn't due to luck but rather stems from conscious decisions, deep understanding of his craft, and meticulous attention to detail, illustrating the importance of recognizing one's limits and capabilities in pursuit of one's passions.

Themes

ChoiceCourageDedicationLimitsDetails

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a motivational speech to encourage others to take control of their destinies.

More from Philippe Petit

I was born in a world of opera, theatre, films, poetry, art, and therefore, out of the wire, I made a stage. That's why they call me a high wire artist.
Philippe PetitRead
On a very long and very high wire, I will not hope to not be blown off by high winds. I will have the certitude that such could not happen.
Philippe PetitRead
Many people use the words 'death defying' or 'death wishing' when they talk about wire-walking. Many people have asked me: 'So do you have a death wish?' After doing a beautiful walk, I feel like punching them in the nose. It's indecent. I have a life wish.
Philippe PetitRead
It's very easy to walk on a wire if you spend a whole lifetime practicing for it.
Philippe PetitRead
It is treacherous on a high wire to change your focus point and suddenly look down.
Philippe PetitRead
If I had been born in the circus, my parents would have pushed me on that little high wire at four years old. That's when the body is most limber to learn those acrobatics.
Philippe PetitRead

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