I didn't want to work. It was as simple as that. I distrusted work, disliked it. I thought it was a very bad thing that the human race had unfortunately invented for itself.

Wonderful things, horses. Never know what they will do, or won't do.

Ah, but life is like that! It does not permit you to arrange and order it as you will. It will not permit you to escape emotion, to live by the intellect and by reason! You cannot say, 'I will feel so much and no more.' Life, Mr. Welman, whatever else it is, is not reasonable. [Hercule Poirot]

In conversation, points arise! If a human being converses much, it is impossible for him to avoid the truth! (Hercule Poirot)

Tea! Bless ordinary everyday afternoon tea!

Never go back to a place where you have been happy. Until you do it remains alive for you. If you go back it will be destroyed.

Many friends have said to me, 'I never know when you write your books, because I've never seen you writing, or even seen you go away to write.' I must behave rather as dogs do when they retire with a bone; they depart in a secretive manner and you do not see them again for an odd half hour. They return self-consciously with mud on their noses. I do much the same.