Understand that thoughts are thoughts. If they are unreasonable, reason with them, even if you have no reason left. You are the observer of your mind, not its victim. Matt Haig leavemindobserver Change image and share on social
If you can't give children optimism, then what are you doing? Matt Haig childgiveoptimism Change image and share on social
Like most art forms, writing is part instinct and part craft. The craft part is the part that can be taught, and that can make a crucial difference to lots of writers. Matt Haig artcraftcrucial Change image and share on social
Writing can be fun. I think the challenge is to convey interesting things in accessible ways, and that's what I aim to do in books. Matt Haig accessibleaimbook Change image and share on social
There is certainly no one 'type' of writer who deliberately draws on Shakespeare. In fact, there's a strong argument that everyone writing in the English language is influenced by Shakespeare because, to a considerable degree, he shaped that language. Matt Haig argumentconsiderabledegree share on social
Thinking about death makes you analyse what life is. Anxiety makes you curious, and curiosity leads to understanding. I wouldn't be a writer without depression. Matt Haig analyseanxietycuriosity Change image and share on social
You don't need the world to understand you. It's fine. Some people will never really understand things they haven't experienced. Some will. Be grateful. Matt Haig experiencefinegrateful Change image and share on social
Words are the essence of culture. Books are pure essence. They are not for women or for men, but for all of us. Without books, civilisation falls into the dark ages. Matt Haig agebookcivilisation Change image and share on social
In an age of never-ending health fads, it's comforting to learn that one of the healthiest activities you can do has existed for millennia. It's called reading. Yes, books are not just entertaining or educational: they can also improve your mental health. Matt Haig activityagebook share on social
I've always thought feminism had a lot to say about both genders, as it is hard to talk about one without the other. I think men and women alike would benefit from men having a more fluid idea of what being a man is. Matt Haig alikebenefitfeminism share on social