I had started by imitating a parrot, which is unusual, in that a parrot is supposed to imitate you. By taking the initiative you allow the parrot no alternative but to be itself, which proves again that attack is often the best defence.

Life is unfair but remember sometimes it is unfair in your favour.

If you're going to be a prisoner of your own mind, the least you can do is make sure it's well furnished.

I have Russian, German, Spanish, Italian, French and Ethiopian blood in my veins.

Did you know that every two hours the nations of this world spend as much on armaments as they spend on the children of this world every year?

I'm convinced there's a small room in the attic of the Foreign Office where future diplomats are taught to stammer.

Laughter would be bereaved if snobbery died.