I knew I couldn't believe in God, because I was fundamentally Hellenic in my outlook.

Philosophy is an odd thing. When we use the word in everyday speech, you know, you sometimes hear it hilariously.

The English language is like London: proudly barbaric yet deeply civilised, too, common yet royal, vulgar yet processional, sacred yet profane.

How can one not be fond of something that the Daily Mail despises?

It's extremely unlucky to be superstitious, for no other reason than it is always unlucky to be colossally stupid.

Somehow, as a writer, you tend to use words to paper over structural cracks.

We gave you a perfectly good language and you f***ed up.