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.
The essential thing is to etch movements in the sky, movements so still they leave no trace. The essential thing is simplicity. / That is why the long path to perfection is horizontal.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of simplicity and fluidity in art and life.
Philippe Petit's quote reflects a philosophical approach to creativity and achievement, advocating for simplicity in expression. By suggesting that the most impactful movements are those that are subtle and leave no trace, he is highlighting the beauty of simplicity and the often unnoticed elegance in mastery. The reference to the 'long path to perfection is horizontal' indicates that true progression may not always be visible or dramatic but is found in a steady and uncomplicated journey.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about minimalism in art, one could say, 'As Philippe Petit said, the essential thing is simplicity.'
More from Philippe Petit
All quotes βOn 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.
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.
It's very easy to walk on a wire if you spend a whole lifetime practicing for it.
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.
It is treacherous on a high wire to change your focus point and suddenly look down.
Similar quotes
The question of the next generation will not be one of how to liberate the masses, but rather, how to make them love their servitude.
Long live the weeds that overwhelm_x000D_ _x000D_ My narrow vegetable realm!_x000D_ _x000D_ The bitter rock, the barren soil_x000D_ _x000D_ That force the son of man to toil;_x000D_ _x000D_ All things unholy, marred by curse,_x000D_ _x000D_ The ugly of the universe.
We look at life from the back side of the tapestry. And most of the time, what we see is loose threads, tangled knots and the like. But occasionally, God's light shines through the tapestry, and we get a glimpse of the larger design with God weaving together the darks and lights of existence.
It seems to me then as if all the moments of our life occupy the same space, as if future events already existed and were only waiting for us to find our way to them at last, just as when we have accepted an invitation we duly arrive in a certain house at a given time.
My whole strength lies in prayer and sacrifice, these are my invincible arms; they can move hearts far better than words, I know it by experience.
I firmly believe a great many prayers are not answered because we are not willing to forgive someone.