I keep saying I am an auto-didact, but I have a lot of outside influences. One I could cite is juggler Francis Brunn, who was the first man to throw ten rings in the air; he was really an amazing juggler who showed onstage the quest for perfection. Philippe Petit airamazeauto share on social
Art is maybe a subversive activity. There is a certain rebellion when you are an artist at heart, even if only in the art of living. Philippe Petit activityartartist Change image and share on social
If I am practicing on the wire, and you pushed me, I would not move, and if you take a piece of wood and beat me up on the shoulder and the head, I would not move. You would not put me out of balance. You would not be able to. I am solid as granite when I am on the tight rope, and I should be. Philippe Petit balancebeatgranite share on social
I will never fall prey to celebrity because I am too busy. I have other things to do than look at myself in the mirror. Philippe Petit busycelebrityfall Change image and share on social
I was not born into the world of the stuntman and the daredevil; I was born into the world of theater and writing and sculpting and classical music. Philippe Petit bearclassicaldaredevil Change image and share on social
I walk on the wire; it's my profession, and there are no two high wire walks alike. Philippe Petit alikehighprofession Change image and share on social
I've been arrested many times for illegal high wire walking and illegal street performing. Philippe Petit arresthavehigh Change image and share on social
Death frames the high wire. But I don't see myself as taking risks. I do all of the preparations that a non-death seeker would do. Philippe Petit deathframehigh Change image and share on social
My time is always divided when I prepare for a wire walk. First I dream, technically and artistically, and then I go to work, and I am the master rigger, climbing trees and ladders and constructing. Only then I change my cap and become the performer. Philippe Petit artisticallycapchange share on social
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 Petit askbeautifuldeath share on social