Notes on a Nervous Planet
A Book Review
Stress and social media
crisis of connection
chronic loneliness
anxiety and panic
invading like invisible sharks
the news channels
remind us of 24/7 catastrophe
the irrational fuels the emotional
fear sells
and fills up coffers
mind like computers
powerful and indispensable
but way too much clutter
needs a way to switch off
A helpful reminder —
You are beautiful just the way you are
and change — the only constant.
Go Ahead, Pause - Breathe - Unplug!
Duly Acknowledged - Notes on a Nervous Planet!
“The paradox of modern life is this: we have never been more connected, and we have never been more alone.”
Notes on a Nervous Planet is the most recent book I read from Matt Haig. He is also known for other critically acclaimed books such as “Midnight Library” and “ Reasons to Stay Alive.”
In this thought-provoking book, Haig delves into the premise that our world, by design, keeps us perpetually on edge through various means-especially technological ones. We are incessantly encouraged to participate in an endless cycle of wanting more, better, and faster, leading to a pervasive sense of dissatisfaction.
Haig counters this with a series of lists and reminders aimed at resisting this relentless consumption cycle. Instead, he advocates for returning to the basics of being human: stop, breathe, and unplug. His insights and practical advice serve as a valuable reminder to focus on what truly matters in our hectic, modern lives.
“Reframe your idea of beauty. Be a rebel against marketing. Look forward to being a wise elder. Be the complex elegance of a melting candle. Be a map with 10,000 roads. Be the orange at sunset that outclasses the pink of sunrise. Be the self that dares to be true.”
“We are humans. Let’s not be ashamed to look like them.”
“To enjoy life, we might have to stop thinking about what we will never be able to read and watch and say and do, and start to think of how to enjoy the world within our boundaries. To live on a human scale. To focus on the few things we can do, rather than the millions of things we can’t. To not crave parallel lives. To find a smaller mathematics. To be a proud and singular one. An indivisible prime.” — Source: Notes on a Nervous Planet.
“Notes on a Nervous Planet” is a must-read for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the constant demands of today’s world, offering a refreshing perspective on how to find peace and contentment amidst the chaos. Haig’s writing is not only insightful but also incredibly relatable. He has a unique ability to make readers feel understood and less alone in their struggles.
All in all, much like other Matt Haig books, “Notes on a Nervous Planet” makes you feel and think. Reading his books is like sitting around with a good friend over a cup of your favorite tea or coffee. Yes, you often talk about what’s crazy in the world, but you also get to connect with that warm feeling that everything is going to be okay. Haig’s reassuring voice and heartfelt wisdom provide comfort and clarity, making his work a balm for the modern soul.
Thank you for reading and for your support.
A previous version of this story appeared elsewhere on substack.
