A conventional good read is usually a bad read, a relaxing bath in what we know already. A true good read is surely an act of innovative creation in which we, the readers, become conspirators."

Culture is a way of coping with the world by defining it in detail.

"If God had been a liberal, we wouldn't have had 10 Commandments. We'd have had The 10 Suggestions."

My experience of ships is that on them one makes an interesting discovery about the world. One finds one can do without it completely.

The English are polite by telling lies. The Americans are polite by telling the truth.