If dogs could talk, perhaps we would find it as hard to get along with them as we do with people.

It suddenly occurred to me that every move on the chessboard is old and has been played by somebody at some time. Maybe our own history has been played out by somebody at some time, and we just move our pieces about in the same moves to strike in the same way as people have always done.

The average cooking in the average hotel for the average Englishman explains to a large extent the English bleakness and taciturnity. Nobody can beam and warble while chewing pressed beef smeared with diabolical mustard. Nobody can exult aloud while ungluing from his teeth a quivering tapioca pudding.

A short life is better for mankind, for a long life would deprive man of his optimism.

Dumb dog. I bought a dog whistle. He won't use it.

You still stand watch, O human star, burning without a flicker, perfect flame, bright and resourceful spirit. Each of your rays a great idea - O torch which passes from hand to hand, from age to age, world without end.

Wherever on this planet ideals of personal freedom and dignity apply, there you will find the cultural inheritance of England.