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

I learned early and at that kitchen table that there are ways of avoiding, without guilt, the commitments of love.

It is always easy to question the judgement of others in matters of which we may be imperfectly informed.

I thought of inviting you to my other club but you know how it is. Lunching there is a useful way of reminding people that you're still alive, but the members will come up and congratulate you on the fact.

Read widely and with discrimination. Bad writing is contagious.

The weekend break had begun with the usual resentment and had continued with half-repressed ill humour. It was, of course, his fault. He had been more ready to hurt his wife's feelings and deprive his daughter than inconvenience a pub bar full of strangers. He wished there could be one memory of his dead child which wasn't tainted with guilt and regret.

Increase your word power. Words are the raw material of our craft. The greater your vocabulary the more ­effective your writing. We who write in English are fortunate to have the richest and most versatile language in the world. Respect it.