There are plenty of problems in the world, and doubtless climate change - or whatever the currently voguish phrase for it all is - certainly is one of them. But it's low on my list.

Good manners are a combination of intelligence, education, taste and style mixed together so that you don't need any of those things.

There is that kind of happiness. There is the love and marriage and family kind of happiness, which is exceedingly boring to describe but nonetheless is important to have and dreadful not to have.

Smoking is very bad for you and should only be done because it looks so good. People who don't smoke have a terrible time finding something polite to do with their lips.

People who are wise, good, smart, skillful, or hardworking don't need politics, they have jobs.

The young are adept at learning, but even more adept at avoiding it.

Zen martini: A martini with no vermouth at all. And no gin, either.