How could people, I wondered for the ten thousandth useless time, how could people who had loved so dearly come to such a wilderness; and yet the change in us was irreversible, and neither of us would even search for a way back. It was impossible. The fire was out. Only a few live coals lurked in the ashes, searing unexpectedly at the incautious touch.

But one discarded dreams and got dressed, and made what one could of the day.

Some are born weird, some achieve it, others have weirdness thrust upon them.

I guessed life was like that. You gained and you lost, and if you saved anything from the ruins, even if only a shred of self-respect, it was enough to take you through the next bit.

Emotion is a rotten base for politics.

A jump jockey has to throw his heart over the fence - and then go over and catch it.

Good manners are a sign of strength.