I worry about anthropomorphism as a form of self-deception. (The Christian religion is an anthropomorphic account of the universe.)

He felt changed, but there was no one to tell.

The individual appears for an instant, joins the community of thought, modifies it and dies; but the species, that dies not, reaps the fruit of his ephemeral existence.

I hated being a novelist when I was 20 - I had nothing to write about.

Never stop paying attention to things. Never make your mind up finally. Do not hold beliefs.

Cyclists. I really hate them. I wish they would not be so self-righteous and realise they are a danger to pedestrians. I wish cyclists would not vindictively snap off wing mirrors on cars when they were trying to cross in front of the car at a danger to motorists and pedestrians.

Biographies are no longer written to explain or explore the greatness of the great. They redress balances, explore secret weaknesses, demolish legends.