Werner Herzog, Filmmaker, poet, and author of the new memoir Every Man for Himself and God Against All, talks about his concept of ecstatic truth in filmmaking and why he's interested in Mars. They also touch on the destruction of humanity and explore the limits of language and the power of poetry. Herzog shares insights into his approach to factual filmmaking and discusses some of his abandoned film projects and current inspirations.
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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.'
The Indifferent Universe
Herzog discusses his worldview, shaped by his early experiences and the chaotic nature of the universe. He reflects on the hostility and indifference of the cosmos towards human life, emphasizing the need to recognize our vulnerability and the fragility of our existence. Despite this, Herzog maintains a sense of acceptance and finds beauty in the indifference of the universe.
The Limits of Language
As a poet, Herzog is fascinated by the outer limits of language and the power of silence in revealing true nature. He recounts personal experiences where language unraveled and metaphors became unclear, leading to profound insights. He believes that poets play a crucial role in exploring these limits and expressing truths that transcend conventional language.
The Quest for Truth and the Dangers of Misinformation
While Herzog acknowledges the importance of verifying information in an era of misinformation and fake news, he also emphasizes the necessity of being cautious and not blindly trusting any source. He advises seeking information from diverse perspectives to counterbalance biases and avoid falling into the traps of disinformation. Herzog emphasizes the need for skepticism and vigilance in navigating the digital world.
Sean Illing speaks with one of his heroes: Werner Herzog. Herzog is a filmmaker, poet, and author of the new memoir Every Man for Himself and God Against All. They discuss "ecstatic truth," a term invented by Herzog to capture what he's really after in his work. Illing also asks him a range of big questions, such as why he is interested in Mars and whether he thinks humanity is destroying itself.
Host: Sean Illing (@seanilling), host, The Gray Area
Guest: Werner Herzog, author, Every Man for Himself and God Against All