Euphemism is a human device to conceal the horrors of reality.

To many, Heathrow in August is a paradigm of Hell.

My grandfather used to say, "Learn to like art, music and literature deeply and passionately. They will be your friends when things are bad". It is true: at this time of year, when days are short and dark, and one hardly dares to open the newspapers, I turn, not vainly either, to the great creators of the past for distraction, solace and help.

If I see a door ajar, I push on it to see how far it will open, and if it opens wide I go through it.

Democracy has many enemies, and the terrorist is only one of them.

In 1924 Mao took a Chinese friend, newly arrived from Europe, to see the notorious sign in the Shanghai park, 'Chinese and Dogs Not Allowed'.

The writer learns to write, in the last resort, only by writing. He must get words onto paper even if he is dissatisfied with them.