Portrait of Haruki Murakami

Haruki Murakami

Japanese novelist

Contemporary influential 79 sayings

Sayings by Haruki Murakami

I'm not interested in writing about what's popular. I'm interested in writing about what's true.

2010s — Interview
General Unverifiable

The human heart is a dark and mysterious place.

N/A — Often implied or stated in his novels
General Unverifiable

I like to cook. It's a way of relaxing.

2000s — Interview/Known interest
Food & Drink Unverifiable

Silence is an argument in itself.

2002 — Kafka on the Shore
General Unverifiable

Sometimes you have to get lost to find yourself.

N/A — Often implied or stated in his novels
General Unverifiable

I'm not a morning person. I prefer to work at night.

2000s — Interview on his writing schedule
Work & Money Unverifiable

The past is a stubborn thing.

2009 — 1Q84
General Unverifiable

I like normal things. I like ordinary life.

2000s — Interview
General Unverifiable

Reading is a way of living many lives.

N/A — Often implied or stated in his novels
General Unverifiable

I don't like to be bored. Life is too short for that.

2000s — Interview
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable

The moon is a friend for the lonesome to talk to.

2002 — Kafka on the Shore
General Unverifiable

I'm not a very good public speaker. I prefer to communicate through my writing.

2000s — Interview
General Unverifiable

Sometimes, I feel like I'm a detective, trying to solve the mystery of life.

N/A — Often expressed by characters in his novels
General Unverifiable

I like to run. It clears my head.

2000s — Interview/Known interest
General Unverifiable

The world is not a perfect place, but it's the only one we've got.

N/A — Often implied or stated in his novels
General Unverifiable

I don’t want to be labeled as a ‘Japanese writer.’ I’m just a writer who happens to be Japanese.

2004 — Interview with The Paris Review
General Unverifiable

The world is full of things that don’t make sense. That’s why we have literature.

2018 — Interview with The Guardian
General Unverifiable

I don’t write for critics. I write for readers.

2011 — Interview with The New York Times
General Unverifiable

Reality is a very tough opponent. It’s like a sumo wrestler—you can’t push it over easily.

2004 — Interview with The Paris Review
General Unverifiable
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