Though debts are condemned in the financial world, the world of friendship and love may perversely depend on well-managed debts.

When I see someone like Richard Dawkins, I see my father. I grew up with that. I'm basically the child of Richard Dawkins.

The study of maps and the perusal of travel books aroused in me a secret fascination that was at times almost irresistible.

Endeavoring to purchase something we think beautiful may in fact be the most unimaginative way of dealing with the longing it excites in us, just as trying to sleep with someone may be the bluntest response to a feeling of love.

Let's say you went to Harvard or Oxford or Cambridge, and you said, 'I've come here because I'm in search of morality, guidance and consolation; I want to know how to live,' - they would show you the way to the insane asylum.

There is a devilishly direct relationship between the significance of an idea and how nervous we become at the prospect of having to think about it.

Let death find us as we are building up our matchstick protests against its waves.