He says, You have to study and learn so that you can make up your own mind about history and everything else but you can't make up an empty mind. Stock your mind, stock your mind. You might be poor , your shoes might be broken , but your mind is a palace.

You feel a sense of urgency, especially at my advanced age, when you're staring into the grave.

I just have to proceed as usual. No matter what happens, nothing helps with the writing of the next book.

I learned the significance of my own insignificant life.

I am teaching. Storytelling is teaching

The English wouldn't give you the steam of their piss.

The main thing I am interested in is my experience as a teacher.