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
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.
Interpretation
This quote reflects on the idea that early exposure to challenges can shape one's skills and abilities.
Philippe Petit’s quote suggests that starting young in any endeavor, especially one as demanding as acrobatics in the circus, takes advantage of the natural flexibility and adaptability of youth. It emphasizes the importance of early training and support from parents, indicating that experiences during formative years can significantly influence one’s future abilities and opportunities.
In practice
A motivational speaker may use this quote to highlight the importance of nurturing talent from a young age.
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.
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.
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.
After traveling through fourteen foreign countries and appearing before all the royalty and nobility I have only one wish today. That is that when my eyes are closed in death that they will bury me back in that quiet little farm land where I was born.
Life is a compromise of what your ego wants to do, what experience tells you to do, and what your nerves let you do.
I don’t want my thoughts to die with me, I want to have done something. I’m not interested in power, or piles of money. I want to leave something behind. I want to make a positive contribution - know that my life has meaning.
As I get older... I start to realize that life ain't half bad. Each year, I'm amazed that I'm still alive. I don't take any of this for granted, I'm a lucky dude.
There is no more fatal blunderer than he who consumes the greater part of his life getting his living.
Regret, already sogging me down, burst its dam. It seeped into my legs, it pooled in my heart.
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