Perseverance has kept me going over the years. Things rarely happen overnight. Filmmakers should be prepared for many years of hard work. The sheer toil can be healthy and exhilarating.
Werner HerzogRead
For a moment the feeling crept over me that my work, my vision, is going to destroy me, and for a fleeting moment I let myself take a long, hard look at myself, something I would not otherwise do--out of instinct, on principle, out of self-preservation--look at myself with objective curiosity to see whether my vision has not destroyed me already. I found it comforting to note that I was still breathing.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the struggle between creativity and self-preservation, examining the potential destructive nature of one's ambitions.
Werner Herzog's quote delves into the internal conflict faced by creators and visionaries as they pursue their passions. It captures a moment of introspection where the speaker grapples with the fear that their aspirations may lead to self-destruction. However, amidst this turmoil, an acknowledgment of the simple fact of existence—'I was still breathing'—provides a sense of comfort and resilience, suggesting that self-awareness and reflection can mitigate the potential perils of one's ambitions.
Themes
CreativityIntrospectionSelf-DestructionVisionComfort
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about pursuing dreams, one might use this quote to highlight the internal struggles artists face.
More from Werner Herzog
All quotes →Hold firm to your vision but don't be a tyrant on set.
Werner HerzogRead
Very often, footage that you have shot develops its own dynamic, it's own life, that is totally unexpected, and moves away from you're original intentions. And you have to acknowledge, yes, there is a child growing and developing and moving in a direction that isn't expected-accept it as it is and let it develop its own life.
Werner HerzogRead
Without dreams we would be cows in a field, and I don't want to live like that. I live my life or I end my life with this project.
Werner HerzogRead
Coincidences always happen if you keep your mind open, while storyboards remain the instruments of cowards who do not trust in their own imagination and who are slaves of a matrix If you get used to planning your shots based solely on aesthetics, you are never that far from kitsch.
Werner HerzogRead
Martin Luther was asked, what would you do if tomorrow the world would come to an end, and he said, 'I would plant an apple tree today.' This is a real good answer. I would start shooting a movie.
Werner HerzogRead
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