"Like many people in Britain, I have an affectionate respect for the Queen, and am surprised that I should be having such republican thoughts."

"Truth comes to us mediated by human love."

"Of all liars the most arrogant are biographers: those who would have us believe, having surveyed a few boxes full of letters, diaries, bank statements and photographs, that they can play at the recording angel and tell the whole truth about another human life."

"I suppose if I'd got a brilliant first and done research I might still be a don today, but I hope not. People become dons because they are incapable of doing anything else in life."

"Courage is the first of human qualities because it is the quality which guarantees the others."

"It is a steadfast truth that he who inspires courage in a single soul has led a monumental campaign — an essential principle for the reflective life."

"Clear thinking requires courage even more than intellect. In this truth lies the bedrock of all virtue."

"To conquer fear is to realize that authenticity is the rarest and most beautiful asset."