I believe that political correctness can be a form of linguistic fascism, and it sends shivers down the spine of my generation who went to war against fascism.

It was one of those perfect English autumnal days which occur more frequently in memory than in life.

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

I still occasionally need to struggle but I now fear it less. The weapons I fight it with are also my consolations: books, music, food, wine, nature.

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.

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

No government can act in advance of the moral will of the people.