It is not the simple statement of facts that ushers in freedom; it is the constant repetition of them that has this liberating effect. Tolerance is the result not of enlightenment, but of boredom.

I read all the books I could find about manners, and the extraordinary thing was, in all books up to the end of the Second World War, most were directed at how to comport yourself in the presence of the ladies.

Europeans have quarrelled since the beginning of time.

What matters is not whether you put your fork or knife together because you've finished your meal, or something like that. What matters is that you don't offend people, or hurt their feelings by mistake by saying the wrong thing or doing the wrong thing.

When asked, 'Shall I tell my mother I'm gay?', I reply, 'Never tell your mother anything.

The Scots are very hospitable; almost as hospitable as the Americans.

I don't know how people act. I've never understood that.