Treason is very much a matter of habit, Smiley decided.

We have learned in recent years to translate almost all of political life in terms of conspiracy. And the spy novel, as never before, really, has come into its own.

I mean, you can't be less ruthless than the opposition simply because your government's policy is benevolent, can you now?

Our power knows no limits, yet we cannot find food for a starving child, or a home for a refugee. Our knowledge is without measure and we build the weapons that will destroy us. We live on the edge of ourselves, terrified of the darkness within. We have harmed, corrupted and ruined, we have made mistakes and deceived.

There will be no war, but in the pursuit of principle no stone will be left standing.

I've got more than one string to my bow, and I thought I'd give this one a twang.

During the Cold War, we lived in coded times when it wasn't easy and there were shades of grey and ambiguity.