" I don’t think we’re any more preoccupied by life and death or heaven and hell than anyone else, but it’s fun to write about the inevitable – you’re alive, and you’re going to die. "
- Matt Skiba

In simple terms, the speaker expresses that like everyone else, they aren’t particularly preoccupied with profound existential questions such as life, death, and the afterlife. However, there’s a certain joy or fascination in crafting narratives about these inevitable aspects of human existence—being alive and ultimately facing mortality.

At its core, this quote delves into the nature of creative expression and the universal themes that resonate across cultures and time periods. The speaker suggests that while everyone faces the same fundamental realities, such as birth and death, it’s the act of engaging with these concepts through art and literature that gives them a sense of significance and purpose. This perspective underscores the idea that writers find inspiration in exploring human experiences that are both universally shared and deeply personal, creating a bridge between individual lives and broader existential questions. By writing about life and death, artists can offer readers reflections on their own existence and provoke thought about what it means to be alive.

The quote is attributed to Matt Skiba, an American musician best known as the guitarist and lead vocalist of the band Blink-182’s side project, The Story So Far, and his solo work. Skiba has been active in the music scene for over two decades and is recognized not only for his musical contributions but also for his insights into artistry and creative expression.