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The Bear Behind You

by on August 29, 2019
  1. Always take the initiative.
  2. There is nothing wrong with spending a night in jail if it means getting the shot you need.
  3. Send out all your dogs and one might return with prey.
  4. Never wallow in your troubles; despair must be kept private and brief.
  5. Learn to live with your mistakes.
  6. Expand your knowledge and understanding of music and literature, old and modern.
  7. That roll of unexposed celluloid you have in your hand might be the last in existence, so do something impressive with it.
  8. There is never an excuse not to finish a film.
  9. Carry bolt cutters everywhere.
  10. Thwart institutional cowardice.
  11. Ask for forgiveness, not permission.
  12. Take your fate into your own hands.
  13. Learn to read the inner essence of a landscape.
  14. Ignite the fire within and explore unknown territory.
  15. Walk straight ahead, never detour.
  16. Manoeuvre and mislead, but always deliver.
  17. Don’t be fearful of rejection.
  18. Develop your own voice.
  19. Day one is the point of no return.
  20. A badge of honor is to fail a film theory class.
  21. Chance is the lifeblood of cinema.
  22. Guerrilla tactics are best.
  23. Take revenge if need be.
  24. Get used to the bear behind you.

24 Life Lessons from Werner Herzog

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  • Mary Ann August 29, 2019, 3:10 PM

    For my little world…#4 and #9( except it’s needle nose pliers not bolt cutters).

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  • Mary Ann August 29, 2019, 3:14 PM

    For me in my little world it’s #4 and #9 (except it’s needle nose pliers not bolt cutters).

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  • Jeff Brokaw August 30, 2019, 5:03 AM

    Great advice, and I learned nearly all of it the hard way, and continue to learn it that way as I enter my seventh decade.

    Life is all about adapting, acquiring wisdom that enriches you, and discarding foolishness that holds you back.

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  • James ONeil August 30, 2019, 10:30 AM

    Since I first saw the list I always mentally change #24 to Always be aware of the bear behind you.

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