I don't envy or much respect people who are completely politicised.

People know when they are being lied to, they know when their rulers are absurd, they know they do not love their chains.

I don't even like showing my stuff to publishers and editors much.

I'm not afraid of being dead, that's to say there's nothing to be afraid of. I won't know I'm dead, would be my strong conviction. And if I find that I'm alive in any way at all, that'll be a pleasant surprise. I quite like surprises.

A gentleman is never rude except on purpose - I can honestly be nasty sober, believe you me.

We have millions and millions of North Korean children totally stunted in mind and body and will have to be dealt with at some point, who have been raised to believe that they live in a regime that is run by a god.

Owners of dogs will have noticed that, if you provide them with food and water and shelter and affection, they will think you are God. Whereas owners of cats are compelled to realize that, if you provide them with food and water and affection, they draw the conclusion that they are God.