We know him as an insane old man who celebrates unbirthdays and makes random, weird riddles and remarks; however, we never really stopped to dig into the things he says. It turns out, the Mad Hatter is actually extremely wise and full of important life lessons.
Here are nine wise Mad Hatter quotes that we wish we would have looked into sooner:
- “You can always take more than nothing.” - Alice in Wonderland (1951)
“Mad Tea” by Tricia Buchanan-Benson | Shop: http://bit.ly/2OUrMPI
You may not be able to take less than anything, but you can take more. The Mad Hatter reminds Alice through tea, that even if you have nothing, that just means there’s something more out there. So why not try for it, if you’ve got nothing to lose?
- “Trust me. I know a thing or two about liking people, and in time, after much chocolate and cream cake, 'like' turns into 'what was his name again?'” - Alice in Wonderland (2010)
“A Mad Tea Party” by Rob Kaz | Shop: http://bit.ly/2nQNAQZ
The Hatter doesn’t really have many friends but it’s not due to his madness. He knows that often times, people are ingenuine and move on from person to person quickly. Although mad, he’s weary about those he lets get close to him and chooses his friends wisely.
- “What a small world this is.” - Alice in Wonderland (1951)
“Mad Hatter’s Tea Party” by Harrison Ellenshaw | Shop: http://bit.ly/2nT4WwL
In finding out it is his, the March Hare’s and Alice’s unbirthdays, the Hatter makes this remark, noting that they all have something in common. While everyone is different, it is likely we all share something in common - just like these three distinct characters.
- “Yes, yes but you would have to be half-mad to dream me up” - Alice in Wonderland (2010)
“Dreaming” by Michelle St. Laurent | Shop: http://bit.ly/2ORndW7
The Mad Hatter knows he’s mad but he also knows he’s not the only one. He recognizes that if he is as mad as he is, everyone else must be a bit mad too. We’re often quick to point out the flaws in other people, but fail to recognize that people are just products of the environments other people have created.
- “You used to be much more ‘muchier.’ You've lost your muchness.” - Alice in Wonderland (2010)
“We’re All Mad Here” by Heather Theurer | Shop: http://bit.ly/2IWkoPU
In the 2010 version of Alice in Wonderland, Alice is grown up and returns to Wonderland, and although she does not remember that she had been there before, the Mad Hatter does. He notices she’s lost her “muchness,” in other words, her curiosity and spirit - which most people sadly tend to lose as they grow up.
- “There is a place like no place on earth. A land full of wonder, mystery, and danger. Some say, to survive it, you need to be as mad as a hatter. Which, luckily, I am.” - Alice in Wonderland (2010)
“Things from Wonderland” by Clinton T. Hobart | Shop: http://bit.ly/2Bi5T4L
Wonderland is a land of imagination. People think this land is a place that’s easy to get caught in but one we must get out of by a certain age; however, it’s quite the opposite. It’s difficult to stay imaginative, but those who are able to stay in that realm, are those who have proven to be most successful. Think: IPhones, Roombas and Virtual Reality Goggles.
- “Screw the box, I think outside the straight jacket.” - Alice in Wonderland (2010)
“Alice’s Grand Entrance” by Jim Warren | Shop: http://bit.ly/2IZE1qq
The Hatter goes deep with this statement. While everyone is talking about thinking outside of the box, he knows that the societal norms that constrict us are much more powerful and much harder to release ourselves from than a plain old box is. As mentioned in the last quote, It takes a lot more work than we think to be unique and innovative.
- “You know what the issue is with this world? Everyone wants some magical solution for their problem and everyone refuses to believe in magic.” - Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
“Imagination is Brewing” by Rob Kaz | Shop: http://bit.ly/2pnAIlY
Because people stray from being imaginative, the average person finds it difficult to find solutions to his/her problems and just expects there to be solutions already created. While there are many creative people who have solved many problems, imagine if everyone dug into their creative side when a problem arose, instead of waiting for someone else to do it.
- Alice: “But a dream is not reality”
Mad Hatter: “Who’s to say which is which?”
- Alice in Wonderland (2010)
“Dreaming in Color” by Tim Rogerson | Shop: http://bit.ly/31l9g5p
We often kick dreams to the side if they’re not “realistic,” but the Mad Hatter knows that reality is shaped by dreams. Dreams are what fuel passions, produce inventions and move people. Our reality was once a dream to someone else and our dreams will be the reality of the future. Takeaway: Never stop dreaming.
The Mad Hatter might just be our favorite character from Wonderland, now and a definite inspiration. Which Mad Hatter quote do you think is the wisest?