I daresay I was the worst bed partner in five continents.

the private conscience is the last and only protection of the civilized world.

the English don't go in for imagination: imagination is considered to be improper if not downright alarmist.

In the end, in England, when you want to find out how people are feeling, you always go to the pubs.

Thousand got away to other countries; thousands returned to Spain tempted by false promises of kindness. By the tens of thousands, these Spaniards died of neglect in the concentration camps.

Why do people talk of the horrors of old age? It's great. I feel like a fine old car with the parts gradually wearing out, but I'm not complaining,... Those who find growing old terrible are people who haven't done what they wanted with their lives.

All amateur travellers have experienced horror journeys, long or short, sooner or later, one way or another. As a student of disaster, I note that we react alike to our tribulations: frayed and bitter at the time, proud afterwards. Nothing is better for self-esteem than survival.