The creativity of childhood was often surrendered amid feelings of unworthiness. So the idea that ­others are demanding to be given it back - to be "taught" - is disturbing.

The true self seeks release, not constraint. It doesnt want to be corseted in a sonnet or made to learn a system of musical notations. It wants liberation, which is why very often it fastens on the novel, for the novel seems spacious, undefined, free.

Human beings have a need, generally, to destroy things. The Freudian principle of civilisation is correct. There's always, always a difference between the family image and the reality.

That's writing for you: when you make space for passion, it doesn't turn up.

I absolutely don't dislike children - I would choose their company over adult company any time.

Help is dangerous because it exists outside the human economy: the only payment for help is gratitude.

The British have always made terrible parents.