Tears are curious things, for like earthquakes or puppet shows, they can occur at any time, without any warning and without any good reason.

Mostly, it's flattering to meet fans. As long as it's in a planned, professional meeting, rather than, say, someone dropping by my home, which is not as pleasant.

I always think it's silly when people talk about works of culture taking risks. Because there's not any risk involved.

I stand entwined in fire on the inextinguishable bonfire of inconceivable love.

Xenial' is a word which refers to the giving of gifts to strangers. . . . I know that having a good vocabulary doesn't guarantee that I'm a good person. . . . But it does mean I've read a great deal. And in my experience, well-read people are less likely to be evil.

I think pirates, like astronauts, particularly for a boy, are always kind of worth thinking about.

Reading is one form of escape. Running for your life is another.