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
I love to remember the World Trade Centre walk, but it should not define me. Philippe Petit centredefinelove Change image and share on social
I was in art school once a week from six to 16, which was essential in shaping my artistic sensitivity. Philippe Petit artartisticessential 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
Usually, when I walk on a wire, I inspect the anchor point on both sides before crossing. Philippe Petit anchorcrossinspect Change image and share on social
It's very normal - when you're not used to the world of the high wire, it's very normal to be simply terrified. The reason I'm not is because I've done it for so many years. Philippe Petit havehighnormal 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
As I'm studying magic, juggling is mentioned repeatedly as a great way to acquire dexterity and coordination. Now, I had long admired how fast and fluidly jugglers make objects fly. So that's it. I'm 14; I'm becoming a juggler. Philippe Petit acquireadmirecoordination share on social
My first walk illegally at 20 years old was between the towers of Notre Dame. Philippe Petit dameillegallynotre Change image and share on social
When I was learning by myself, despite my parents, despite my teachers, despite society, when I was fighting for building my life as a young wire walker at age 16, I didn't have feelings, I had certainties. Philippe Petit agebuildcertainty share on social