Ones teachers all belonged to that generation who were imperialists, and the whole narrative throughout my adolescence was of countries leaving the empire. I find it extraordinary that this purpose which drove how we viewed the world is now considered to be something that has no effect upon us.

At work people are expected to be at the beck and call of employers all the time. You have blackberries and other things, and they just don't leave you alone. People have less time just to drop into an art gallery.

I've always thought you have to live life looking forwards, not backwards. I've had no interest at all in who my ancestors are.

I've always felt myself to be an outsider. I've always felt awkward.

I have not a clue why they sent it to me. As far as I know I have not got a reputation as a receiver of stolen goods.

At last someone takes me seriously.

It's not just politicians. Any spokesman for a vested interest is well schooled in how to say what it is they wish to say, which may bear no relation at all to what you've asked them.