It is satisfying for the descendant of a dissident refugee from Elizabeth I to present his credentials to Elizabeth II.

The function of a briefing paper is to prevent the ambassador from saying something dreadfully indiscreet. I sometimes think its true object is to prevent the ambassador from saying anything at all.

Incomprehensible jargon is the hallmark of a profession.

Maybe you are the "cool" generation. If coolness means a capacity to stay calm and use your head in the service of ends passionately believed in, then it has my admiration.

We all live in a televised goldfish bowl.

There is no greater challenge than to have someone relying upon you; no greater satisfaction than to vindicate his expectation.

The presumption of innocence is not just a legal concept. In commonplace terms, it rests on that generosity of spirit which assumes the best, not the worst, of the stranger.