Gracious acceptance is an art - an art which most never bother to cultivate. We think that we have to learn how to give, but we forget about accepting things, which can be much harder than giving.... Accepting another person's gift is allowing him to express his feelings for you.

Self-pity does not appreciate pedantry.

The people with the strong, brave exteriors are just as weak and vulnerable as the rest of us. And of course they never admit to their childish practices, their moments of weakness or absurdity, and then the rest of us think that's how it should be.

Most people want nothing to happen. That is the problem with governments these days. They want to do things all the time; they are always very busy thinking of what things they can do next. That is not what people want. People want to be left alone to look after their cattle.

I've also long since realized that the way to really engage children is to give out prizes; it's amazing how it concentrates their minds.

There was a distinction between lying and telling half-truths, but it was a very narrow one.

I cannot see myself in a new car. I am a tiny white van person. That is what i want!