Philippe Petit
Philippe Petit became famous in August 1974 for his high-wire walk between the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York City. His walk is known as the "artistic crime of the century". Petit has performed high-wire walks around the world, and a 2008 documentary based on his adventure, Man on Wire, won numerous awards and critical praise.
“When the towers again twin-tickle the clouds, I offer to walk again, to be the expression of the builder's collective voice. Together, we will rejoice in an aerial song of victory. I will carry my life across the wire, as your life, as all our lives, past, present, and future -the lives lost, the lives welcomed since.we can overcome.”
Philippe Petit
“When I see three oranges, I juggle; when I see two towers, I walk!”
Philippe Petit
“My destiny no longer has me conquering the highest toowers in the world, but rather the void they protect.This cannot be measured.”
Philippe Petit
“On one side, the mass of a mountain. A life I know.On the other, the universe of the clouds, so full of unknown that it seems empty to us. Too much space.”
Philippe Petit
“I know it's impossible. But I know I'll do it!”
Philippe Petit
“It cannot be done all at once. To overpower vertigo - the keeper of the abyss- one must tame it, cautiously.”
Philippe Petit
“The rest is usually just an inhuman amount of tenacious work.”
Philippe Petit
“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.”
Philippe Petit
“You must not fall. / When you lose your balance, resist for a long time before turning yourself toward the earth. Then jump. / You must not force yourself to stay steady. You must move forward.”
Philippe Petit