I am sure that all politicians seek the home connection with the voter. But [Margaret Thatcher] carried it to extremes.

History is a set of skills rather than a narrative.

One of the ideals [Margaret Thatcher] grew up with was self-denial and postponement of gratification, and yet she went about to create a greedy, short-term society. It is a paradox.

Some of these things are true and some of them lies. But they are all good stories.

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.

My concern is less the monarchy as such than the attempt of a fading colonial power to hang onto grandeur.

Sometimes peace looks like war, you cannot tell them apart.