Suddenly, the idea of writing a book was like coming home. I didn't tell anyone except my wife, Clare. I just began.

I read my father's books growing up. I thought then and I still think now that his writing is wonderful. It delights and infuriates me in equal measure that he's still that good.

Professional politicians will say anything, and they're always careful to leave themselves room to turn around and do the other.

In abandoning the understanding that things - services, goods, wars, and houses - have costs, we risk becoming infantilised, incapable of making decisions about government or finance, and perhaps above all about the environment, the wellbeing of the planet upon which we depend and which our children will inherit from us.

Carrying a grudge is a heavy burden. As you forgive, you will feel the joy of being forgiven.

I find writing the darker side, writing tragedy, a lot easier than writing happiness. Happiness is just less psychologically compelling, isn't it?

Happiness is overrated. There has to be conflict in life.

No human being can really understand another, and no one can arrange another's happiness.