Ellis was a leading figure in the advancement of cognitive behavioural therapies. He thought that human beings rendered themselves crazy by harbouring too many crazy thoughts.

He said there were three core mistakes associated with distorted thinking:

1. 1.I must do well.
   

2. 2.You must treat me well.
   

3. 3.The world must be easy.
   

There was a time when I would not have entertained Ellis and his down-beat outlook verging on nihilism. But I’m getting there now.