But the rule seems to be that the bigger and more life-changing the decision, the less it will seem like a decision at all.

The copycat effects of media violence, similar to those previously attributed to westerns, radio serials and comic books, are easy to exaggerate.

Nothing is perfect. Life is messy. Relationships are complex. Outcomes are uncertain. People are irrational.

So, if falling crime rates coincide with the rise of violent video games and increasing violence on TV and at the cinema, should we conclude that media violence is causing the drop in crime rates?

Actually, I can't imagine anything more tedious than a perfect person, especially if it was someone who also demanded perfection from me.

I suspect the secret of personal attraction is locked up in our unique imperfections, flaws and frailties.

Universal literacy was a 20th-century goal. Before then, reading and writing were skills largely confined to a small, highly educated class of professional people.

The thing we need most is each other.

Obviously, every child should be given the best possible opportunity to acquire literacy skills.

It's Australian to do such things because, however uncivilised they may seem, it's human to do them.

One reason we resist making deliberate choices is that choice equals change and most of us, feeling the world is unpredictable enough, try to minimise the trauma of change in our personal lives.

Happiness being surrounded by good friends and family at a BBQ.

Whatever you think again and again affects your feelings and is impressed upon subconscious mind and becomes a part of your personality.

Do not waste your pity on a scamp.

It is good to jest, but not to make a trade of jesting.

Fear is just an idea in the mind that limits you. You cannot become enlightened if you are afraid, nor can you become happy.

Tony Blair is the best friend I've had in politics.

Matter begins evolving back to Spirit and, when it's reached, the whole process begins over again for the billionth time.

We wear the mask that grins and lies.

If you're not ready to fall, you're not ready to hurdle.

I would love to compose something for dance before I kick the bucket, and I'm not closed-minded about the dance, or the dance company.