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
How could I share with you how I felt when two towers that I loved, two pieces of steel and glass and concrete fell down, when actually they took with them thousands of human lives? That is the actual tragedy. But those towers were almost human for me. I was in love with them, and that's why I married them with a tight rope.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the emotional connection between people and structures, highlighting the deep sense of loss felt when they succumb to tragedy.
Philippe Petit articulates the profound emotional attachment he had to the World Trade Center towers, describing them as almost human and expressing his grief over their destruction. This sense of loss amplifies the tragedy, as it not only represents physical structures collapsing but also signifies the loss of lives and dreams associated with them. The quote invites reflection on how we personify our surroundings and how deeply intertwined our emotions can be with the places we inhabit.
Themes
LossTragedyAttachmentArchitectureEmotion
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the impact of 9/11 on the city and its people.
More from Philippe Petit
All quotes →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
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 PetitRead
It is treacherous on a high wire to change your focus point and suddenly look down.
Philippe PetitRead
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