As for critics, one mediocre writer is more valuable than ten good critics. They are like haughty, barren spinsters lodged in a maternity ward.

We all know that we're going to die, but we don't know when. That's not a blessing, that's a curse.

The Sistine Chapel is an extraordinary work of education - it lays out all the early books of the Bible.

The pretence that numbers are not the humble creation of man, but are the exacting language of the Universe and therefore possess the secret of all things, is comforting, terrifying and mesmeric.

I obviously irritate people. I obviously antagonise them.

I don't want to be a film-maker. I think painting is far more exciting and profound. It's always at the back of my mind - let's give up this silly business of film-making and concentrate on something more satisfying and worthwhile.

What are you - some kind of addict? Is this where you come to.