The Gray Area with Sean Illing cover image

The Gray Area with Sean Illing

Werner Herzog’s ecstatic truth

Oct 23, 2023
In a fascinating conversation, filmmaker Werner Herzog, known for his thought-provoking storytelling, dives into his concept of "ecstatic truth." He reflects on the balance between fact and emotion in filmmaking, emphasizing the importance of deeper connections over mere facts. Herzog discusses his memoir, revealing personal narratives that highlight humanity's existential struggles. He also explores creativity, the limitations of language, and our fragile existence, while questioning whether humanity is on a path of self-destruction.
56:53

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Werner Herzog believes that poetry provides a unique perspective on truth and can reveal deep insights about the world.
  • Herzog emphasizes the importance of skepticism and seeking information from diverse perspectives to counterbalance biases in the digital age.

Deep dives

The Power of Poetry

Poetry has long been a source of deep truths and insights about the world. Werner Herzog, renowned filmmaker and poet, delves into the role of the poet in society and the distinctions between poetry, philosophy, and science. Herzog's work, known for its dual quality of realism and poetry, reflects his belief that poetry offers a unique perspective on truth. He explores his new memoir, which delves into his approach to life and his pursuit of what he calls 'ecstatic truth.'

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