I have a character failing. I am quite incapable of identifying with anything whole-heartedly. Whatever I am doing, I am always planning to do something else. I would rather travel than arrive.

My wife and I both love cooking - I am an advanced male - so we argue about who gets to rustle up dinner.

That's one of the things about getting older isn't it? You suddenly realise that you are what you set out to be. And there are no role models any more.

In an age robbed of religious symbols, going to the shops replaces going to the church. We have a free choice, but at a price. We can win experience, but never achieve innocence. Marx knew that the epic activities of the modern world involve not lance and sword but dry goods.