Language is power, life and the instrument of culture, the instrument of domination and liberation.

Though I still turn up my coat-collar in a lonely way and am always looking at myself in mirrors, they’re only habits and give no clue at all to my character, whatever that is. The most difficult performance in the world is acting naturally isn’t it? Everything else is artful.

Iconic clothing has been secularized. . . . A guardsman in a dress uniform is ostensibly an icon of aggression; his coat is red as the blood he hopes to shed. Seen on a coat-hanger, with no man inside it, the uniform loses all its blustering significance and, to the innocent eye seduced by decorative colour and tactile braid, it is as abstract in symbolic information as a parasol to an Eskimo. It becomes simply magnificent.

I drew the curtains to conceal the sight of my father's farewell; my spite was sharp as broken glass.

I haven't changed much, over the years. I use less adjectives, now, and have a kinder heart, perhaps.

I think I want to be in love with you but I don't know how.

Anticipation is the greater part of pleasure.