A lot of people see doubt as legitimate philosophical posture. They think of themselves in the middle, whereas of course really, they're nowhere.

A good writer is an expert on nothing except himself. And on that subject, if he is wise, he holds his tongue.

Completing a book, it's a little like having a baby.

Having your book turned into a movie is like seeing your oxen turned into bouillon cubes.

I am still making order out of chaos by reinvention.

I taught principally German language and literature at Eton. But any master with private pupils must be prepared to teach anything they ask for. That can be as diverse as the early paintings of Salvador Dali or how bumblebees manage to fly.

Yet it's not for want of future that I'm here, he thought. It's for want of a present.