Werner Herzog Dislikes 'Neurodivergence' Term

Renowned German director Werner Herzog has voiced his strong disapproval of the term 'neurodivergence,' along with related concepts like ADHD, stating that it sounds like political correctness, a notion that deeply concerns him. Herzog, known for his distinctive cinematic style and focus on obsessive characters in films such as 'Aguirre, the Wrath of God,' 'Fitzcarraldo,' and 'Grizzly Man,' made these remarks at the Venice Film Festival. He suggested that his portrayal of monomaniacal characters, driven by singular obsessions like discovering mythical cities or building opera houses in remote locations, should not be seen as role models for the modern neurodiversity movement. Herzog's perspective contrasts with the growing discourse around neurodiversity, which aims to reframe conditions like ADHD, autism, and dyslexia as natural variations in human cognition rather than deficits. The movement advocates for greater understanding, acceptance, and accommodation of these differences in society, education, and the workplace. By expressing his discomfort with the terminology, Herzog highlights a potential generational or philosophical divide in how these neurological differences are perceived and discussed. His apprehension towards 'political correctness' suggests a fear of what he perceives as overly sanitized or ideologically driven language that might stifle genuine expression or understanding. The director's own body of work often explores the extreme edges of human behavior and obsession, sometimes bordering on the self-destructive, which may lead him to view contemporary discussions of neurological variation through a different lens. His films frequently feature protagonists who are outsiders, driven by an unyielding internal logic that often clashes with societal norms, a theme that could be superficially linked to neurodivergent traits but which Herzog himself seems keen to distance from such labels. The context of his comments at the Venice Film Festival, a prominent international platform for cinema, underscores the significance of his statement within the broader cultural conversation. Herzog's career, spanning over five decades, has cemented his reputation as an auteur with a unique vision, unafraid to confront challenging themes and characters. His reluctance to embrace the term 'neurodivergence' may stem from a personal philosophy that prioritizes individual struggle and extreme focus over what he might perceive as a more generalized or therapeutic categorization of human experience. The director's popularity has also extended to social media platforms like Instagram, where his distinctive persona and pronouncements continue to resonate with a wide audience, suggesting his views, even on topics outside his direct filmmaking, carry considerable weight and invite discussion.