Renowned filmmaker, poet, and author Werner Herzog shares his profound insights on "ecstatic truth"—the deeper reality beyond mere facts. He discusses humanity's struggle against an indifferent universe and the importance of storytelling. Herzog reflects on the fragility of civilization, touching on themes of personal journeys and the art of observation in filmmaking. He also explores his fascination with Mars and addresses the potential self-destruction of humanity, all while weaving in rich anecdotes and philosophical musings.
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Chaotic Early Life, Idyllic Childhood
Herzog's childhood home was bombed when he was two weeks old, forcing his family to flee to the Bavarian Mountains.
There, he experienced an idyllic upbringing as a "wild child" marked by poverty, resourcefulness, and a lack of adult supervision.
insights INSIGHT
Ecstatic Truth
Herzog coined the term "ecstatic truth" to describe a deeper, more profound kind of truth than mere facts.
It's a subjective experience found through a journey of discovery, akin to the experiences of medieval mystics.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Navigating Misinformation
Be skeptical of all news sources, especially in the age of misinformation.
Corroborate information by checking multiple, diverse sources, including international and internet-based ones.
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The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be
Katy Milkman
In this ground-breaking book, Katy Milkman reveals a proven path to help readers move from where they are to where they want to be. Drawing on her original research and the work of her world-renowned scientific collaborators, Milkman shares strategic methods for identifying and overcoming common barriers to change, such as impulsivity, procrastination, and forgetfulness. The book offers innovative approaches like 'temptation bundling,' using timely reminders, and creating 'set-it-and-forget-it systems' to make change more achievable. It emphasizes the importance of tailoring solutions to specific roadblocks and using science to stack the deck in favor of successful change.
Every Man for Himself and God Against All
A Memoir
Werner Herzog
In this memoir, Werner Herzog recounts his life from his childhood in post-war Germany to his current status as a visionary filmmaker. The book is a personal record of his self-invented life, filled with captivating anecdotes about his unorthodox methods for capturing his vision on film. Herzog reflects on his experiences filming in perilous locations, his encounters with various cultures, and his relentless pursuit of what he terms 'ecstatic truth.' The memoir is a hypnotic swirl of memory, reliving his most important experiences and inspirations with empathy, fearlessness, and a unique artistic perspective[1][3][4].
Of Walking in Ice
Werner Herzog
Sean Illing speaks with one of his heroes: Werner Herzog.
Herzog is a filmmaker, poet, and author of the memoir Every Man for Himself and God Against All. The two discuss "ecstatic truth," a term invented by Herzog to capture what he's really after in his work, why he's 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
This episode was originally published in October of 2023.
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The Gray Area with Sean Illing 
