We keep a journal to entrap that collection of selves that forms us, the individual human being.

I have to start my real life soon, before I die of boredom and frustration.

When you experience bereavement at a youngish age, you suddenly realise that life is unjust and unfair, that bad things will happen, and you have to take that on board.

I have teken refuge in the doctrine that advises one not to seek tranquility in certainty but in permanently suspended judgement.

I have this lock of hair that keeps falling across my forehead. It drives me mad.

Dignity was the first quality to be abandoned when the heart took over the running of human affairs.

I know many older writers who were very successful and whose books are now out of print, so you have to go to antiquarian booksellers to buy their fifth or eighth novel or whatever it is.