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
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
SimplicityPerfectionCreativityMovementArt
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 →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
Similar quotes
One's life has value so long as one attributes value to the life of others, by means of love, friendship, indignation and compassion.
Simone De BeauvoirRead
Our assessment of socio-economic worth is largely a sham. We scientists should not lend ourselves to it - though we routinely do. We should, instead, insist on applying the criterion of quality.
John PolanyiRead
Shall I part my hair behind Do I dare to eat a peach I shall wear white flannel trousers, and walk upon the beach. I have heard the mermaids singing, each to each. I do not think that they will sing to me.
T. S. EliotRead
Every call to worship is a call into the Real World.... I encounter such constant and widespread lying about reality each day and meet with such skilled and systematic distortion of the truth that I'm always in danger of losing my grip on reality. The reality, of course, is that God is sovereign and Christ is savior. The reality is that prayer is my mother tongue and the eucharist my basic food. The reality is that baptism, not Myers-Briggs, defines who I am.
Eugene H. PetersonRead
Today there were fear, hatred, and pain, but no dignity of emotion, no deep or complex sorrows.
George OrwellRead
Prejudice is a raft onto which the shipwrecked mind clambers and paddles to safety.
Ben HechtRead