You can never hope to recapture the first fine careless rapture as the poet put it, but it stays with you like a good acid trip.

People who can change and change again are so much more reliable and happier than those who can’t

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

Christmas to a child is the first terrible proof that to travel hopefully is better than to arrive.

Cheat? Good heavens, this is an amateur cricket match amongst leading prep schools, I'm an Englishman and a schoolmaster supposedly setting an example to his young charges. We are playing the most artistic and beautiful game ever devised. Of course I'll cunting well cheat. Now, give me my robe and put on my crown. I have immortal longings in me.

I can understand the Greek idea that there are these these principles of lightening or of war or of wisdom and to embody them, to personify them into a Athena or Aries or whichever god you want makes enormous sense.

My secret is that I have never thought there is a secret to anything in life. Passion. Love. Drive. Work. Work. Work. Dull but true.