When you're young you think that you're going to sail into a lovely lake of quietude and peace. This is profoundly untrue.

And then, not expecting it, you become middle-aged and anonymous. No one notices you. You achieve a wonderful freedom. It is a positive thing. You can move about unnoticed and invisible.

For the last third of life there remains only work. It alone is always stimulating, rejuvenating, exciting and satisfying.

What matters most is that we learn from living.

What women will say to other women grumbling in their kitchens and complaining and gossiping or what they make clear in their masochism is often the last thing they will say aloud - a man may overhear. Women are the cowards they are because they have been semi-slaves for so long.

Small things amuse small minds.

Intelligence forbids tears.