Journeys are the midwives of thought. Few places are more conducive to internal conversations than moving planes, ships or trains.

Unnatural to expect that learning to be happy should be any easier than, say, learning to play the violin or require any less practice.

Being incomprehensible offers unparalleled protection against having nothing to say...but writing with simplicity requires courage, for there is a danger that one will be overlooked, dismissed as simpleminded by those with a tenacious belief that the impassable prose is a hallmark of intelligence.

Status Anxiety: A worry, so pernicious as to be capable of ruining extended stretches of our lives, that we are in danger of failing to conform to the ideals of success laid down by our society and that we may as a result be stripped of dignity and respect; a worry that we are currently occupying too modest a rung or are about to fall to a lower one.

Don't despair: despair suggests you are in total control and know what is coming. You don't - surrender to events with hope.

Good sex isn't just fun, it keeps us sane and happy. Having sex with someone makes us feel wanted, alive and potent.

Most of us still caged within careers chosen for us by our not entirely worldly 18-22 year old selves.