I must admit that I rarely pass by a book store without having a look inside what’s on sale. There’s usually always something on the shelf to inspire and to set on a inner „To Buy List“. While on my lunch break today I found Werner Herzog – A Guide for the Perplexed: Conversations with Paul Cronin in my favourite book shop and as I have already bought too much books this year already I passed on leaving the shop without that particular book today. But, intrigued by the list Werner Herzog made for the dust cover I hastily scribbled the items down to pass on here:
- 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.