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
I needed more knowledge in rigging and knotting. I started collecting books on knots and really learning more and more. That's how it started. And also in magic, of course. With a piece of rope, you can do magic. Philippe Petit bookcollectknot 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
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
Of course, the slightest little mistake on the wire will deprive me of my life, so in that sense, yes, it is a dangerous profession. You have to pay attention; if not, you will lose your life. Philippe Petit attentiondangerousdeprive Change image and share on social
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 Petit artartistbear 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