English tradition debars from dinner-table conversation almost all topics that might interest the conversers and insists upon strict adherence to banalities.

They [zebras] looked like highly varnished animated toys.

Africa is cruel...it takes your heart and grinds it into powdered stone - and no-one minds

You cannot sell a blemished apple in the supermarket, but you can sell a tasteless one provided it is shiny, smooth, even, uniform and bright.

One of the stock Sydney jokes is of the census-taker who enquires: 'How many children have you, ma'am?' 'Two living and three in Melbourne.'

Only man is not content to leave things as they are but must always be changing them, and when he has done so, is seldom satisfied with the result.

The pioneer kills what he loves.

How much does one imagine, how much observe? One can no more separate those functions than divide light from air, or wetness from water.

The Beatties were always arguing, it gave them an interest in life.

Dogs may be divided into two classes: those who are merely afraid of cattle and those who can't abide them.

The great point about money was to convert it as quickly as possible into something you could use or enjoy.

Life is a mystery- mystery of beauty, bliss and divinity. Meditation is the art of unfolding that mystery.

A poet is not an apostle

The pain of running relieves the pain of living.

When the situation demands action, know the end of the action before you start the action

Never doubt that a small group of committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has.

The Internet is a powerful example of free speech and the free market in action; it is curious that the Net has alarmed the lawmakers of a nation founded on those principles.

There can be no perfect Europe in which Ireland is denied even the least of its national rights.

It is important to remember that the ocean's resources are finite. The commitment these kids are making here today is a clear and compelling call to all of us to pay attention to our ocean.

I want to become the first European floor leader to succeed in the NBA. I want to be the standard-bearer and prove we can succeed here.

It's just amazing how many companies suddenly want you to hold up their products after you've held up the Stanley Cup.