I would play with numbers in a way that other kids would play with their friends. Daniel Tammet friendkidnumber Change image and share on social
I was incredibly lucky that my first book found a large and loyal readership. It changed my life - from being a very withdrawn adult to living in Paris as a full-time writer. It has also given me enormous confidence. Daniel Tammet adultbookchange share on social
I've got a quiet voice. I think it's because as a child I didn't speak very much. I used to put my fingers in my ears to feel the silence, which was like a lovely trickling motion in my head. Daniel Tammet childearfeel Change image and share on social
How any person decides to emphasize strengths and mitigate weaknesses is something people have to figure out for themselves. I'm wary of the self-help literature that suggests there are certain rules. I'm very happy for people to look at my story and say it's possible to achieve many things. Daniel Tammet achievedecideemphasize share on social
Often autism is portrayed in the media as a very negative condition, as something that prevents somebody from communicating or from socializing or from being able to have any kind of normal, happy life. Daniel Tammet autismcommunicatecondition share on social
Fischer, the great American chess champion, famously said, 'Chess is life.' I would say, 'Pi is life.' Daniel Tammet americanchampionchess Change image and share on social
My family supported me. I wasn't hot-housed at all as a young child; I didn't go to any kind of gifted school. They didn't exist in the very poor parts of England when I grew up in the 1980s. I had a great time to learn, had access to libraries and teachers who were patient and enthusiastic when I showed ability in some subjects. Daniel Tammet 1980sabilityaccess share on social
I recited Pi to 22,514 decimal points in five hours and nine minutes. I was able to do this because of weeks of study, aided by the unusual synaesthesic way my mind perceives numbers as complex multidimensional coloured and textured shapes. Daniel Tammet aidcolourcomplex share on social
I feel traveling certainly does broaden the mind. In my case certainly I feel more confident. It gives you a new perspective on the world. Daniel Tammet broadencaseconfident Change image and share on social
I did have a very restricted, regimented life. There was a kind of happiness there, a contentment, but it was a small happiness within very clear and delineated borders. Daniel Tammet borderclearcontentment Change image and share on social