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
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of valuing life and pursuing one's passions fearlessly, rather than focusing on death or risk.
Philippe Petit's quote reflects his passion for wire-walking and his dismissal of negative perceptions that associate such daring acts with a desire for death. Instead of seeing his performances as life-threatening, he sees them as expressions of life itself, full of beauty and purpose, reinforcing the idea that one should embrace life and its possibilities rather than merely exist in fear of the risks involved.
Themes
LifeCourageRiskPassionBeauty
In practice
Example use cases
One might use this quote in a motivational speech about pursuing dreams.
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
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
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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