Collected Notes

LIFE ADVICE

24 pieces of life advice from Werner Herzog

  • Always take the initiative.

  • There is nothing wrong with spending a night in jail if it means getting the shot you need.

  • Send out all your dogs and one might return with prey.

  • Never wallow in your troubles; despair must be kept private and brief.

  • Learn to live with your mistakes.

  • Expand your knowledge and understanding of music and literature, old and modern.

  • That roll of unexposed celluloid you have in your hand might be the last in existence, so do something impressive with it.

  • There is never an excuse not to finish a film.

  • Carry bolt cutters everywhere.

  • Thwart institutional cowardice.

  • Ask for forgiveness, not permission.

  • Take your fate into your own hands.

  • Learn to read the inner essence of a landscape.

  • Ignite the fire within and explore unknown territory.

  • Walk straight ahead, never detour.

  • Manoeuvre and mislead, but always deliver.

  • Don’t be fearful of rejection.

  • Develop your own voice.

  • Day one is the point of no return.

  • A badge of honor is to fail a film theory class.

  • Chance is the lifeblood of cinema.

  • Guerrilla tactics are best.

  • Take revenge if need be.

  • Get used to the bear behind you.