It is impossible to found a civilization on fear and hatred and cruelty. It would never endure.' 'Why not?' 'It would have no vitality. It would disintegrate. It would commit suicide.

The weariness of the cell is the vigour of the organism.

We control matter because we control the mind. Reality is inside the skull.

In places this book is a little over-written, because Mr Blunden is no more able to resist a quotation than some people are to refuse a drink.

Most revolutionaries are potential Tories, because they imagine that everything can be put right by altering the shape of society; once that change is effected, as it sometimes is, they see no need for any other.

I have the most evil memories of Spain, but I have very few bad memories of Spaniards.

Nationalism is power hunger tempered by self-deception.