We feel an affinity with a certain thinker because we agree with him; or because he shows us what we were already thinking; or because he shows us in a more articulate form what we were already thinking; or because he shows us what we were on the point of thinking; or what we would sooner or later have thought; or what we would have thought much later if we hadn’t read it now; or what we would have been likely to think but never would have thought if we hadn’t read it now; or what we would have liked to think but never would have thought if we hadn’t read it now.

Because I'm not writing all the time (thank goodness), my mind is sometimes pleasantly blank.

No one is calling me. I can’t check the answering machine because I have been here all this time. If I go out, someone may call while I’m out. Then I can check the answering machine when I come back in.

Why don't you like the foods I like?" he asks sometimes. "Why don't you like the foods I make?" I answer.

Do what you want to do, and don't worry if it's a little odd or doesn't fit the market.

Often, the idea that there can be a wide range of translations of one text doesn't occur to people - or that a translation could be bad, very bad, and unfaithful to the original.

I never dream in French, but certain French words seem better or more fun than English words - like 'pois chiches' for chick peas!