It is surely unreasonable to credit that only one small star in the immensity of the universe is capable of developing and supporting intelligent life. But we shall not get to them and they will not come to us.

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

A politician is required to listen to humbug, talk humbug, condone humbug. The most we can hope for is that we don't actually believe it.

If all power corrupts, then a doctor, who literally holds life and death in his hands, must be at particular risk.

Human kindness is like a defective tap, the first gush may be impressive but the stream soon dries up.

First-class travel, provided one hasn't to pay for it oneself, is the most insidiously addictive of life's luxuries.

When I heard, Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall, I thought, Did he fall or was he pushed?