It is better not to try people, not to force them to desperation. Make them prosper; out of superfluidity, they will be generous. Full bellies breed gentle manners. The pinch of famine makes monsters.

[Margaret Thatcher] said there was no thing such as society. This is what I find so interesting psychologically. Where did she come from? She had no mother. Her father came from a very identifiable background: religious, highly conformist.

I think if the monarchy were removed tomorrow, it wouldn't have a huge effect on the national mind-set.

At New Year's he had given Anne a present of silver forks with handles of rock crystal. He hopes she will use them to eat with, not to stick in people.

You don't get on by being original. You don't get on by being bright. You don't get on by being strong. You get on by being a subtle crook.

So many years of preparation, for what was called adult life: was it for this?

I only became a novelist because I thought I had missed my chance to become a historian.