We must be born with an intuition of mortality. Before we know the word for it. Before we know that there are words. Out we come, bloodied and squalling, with the knowledge that for all the points of the compass, there's only one direction. And time is its only measure.

Since we cannot hope for order, let us withdraw with style from the chaos.

Because children grow up, we think a child's purpose is to grow up. But a child's purpose is to be a child. Nature doesn't disdain what lives only for a day. It pours the whole of itself into the each moment. We don't value the lily less for not being made of flint and built to last.

The fact is, I loved being English. I was very happy to be turned into an English schoolboy.

Death followed by eternity the worst of both worlds. It is a terrible thought.

I don't write at the library, because I smoke when I work or would like the possibility of a smoke. Also, I need to be at my own desk.

My mind gets into a verbal mode.