The whole idea of revenge and punishment is a childish day-dream. Properly speaking, there is no such thing as revenge. Revenge is an act which you want to commit when you are powerless and because you are powerless: as soon as the sense of impotence is removed, the desire evaporates also.

His answer to every problem, every setback was “I will work harder!” —which he had adopted as his personal motto.

When I sit down to write a book, I do not say to myself, 'I am going to produce a work of art.' I write it because there is some lie that I want to expose, some fact to which I want to draw attention, and my initial concern is to get a hearing.

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.

The urge to shout filthy words at the top of his voice was as strong as ever.

The Revolution will be complete when the language is perfect.

Why should be fruit be held inferior to the flower?