I am going to tell you a secret. Everything is about wanting. Everything. Things happen because of people wanting. Watch closely, and you’ll see what I mean.

Oh, diplomacy ... it mops up war's spillages; legitimizes its outcomes; gives the strong state the means to impose its will on a weaker one, while saving its fleets and battalions for weightier opponents.

When insolvent, pack minimally, with a valise tough enough to be thrown onto a London pavement from a first- or second-floor window. Insist on hotel rooms no higher.

I have always preferred maps to books. They don't answer you back.

Why ask a question whose answer would demand ten more questions?

Little girls are like old cats. If they don't like you nothing on Earth will make them pretend to.

Writing is probably one-fifth coming up with the stuff, and four-fifths self-editing again and again and again.