Metaphysical speculation is about as pointless as a discussion on the meaning of one's lungs. They're for breathing.

Generosity is a virtue for individuals, not governments. When governments are generous it is with other people’s money, other people’s safety, other people’s future.

Any visitor to an historic country town or city quickly becomes aware in his or her peregrinations that the most attractive houses in the centre are invariably the offices of lawyers.

You never forget the people who were kind to you in childhood, do you, sir?

We English are good at forgiving our enemies; it releases us from the obligation of liking our friends.

the most successful marriages were always based on both partners feeling that they had done rather well for themselves.

the unforgivable was usually the most easily forgiven.