In the modern world, nationalism remains a very important force. We delude ourselves into thinking that globalization has made all of that redundant and that everyone just wants to be like America.

Gandhi saw how people have to re-think their own individuality before engaging in political activity. Otherwise they're just playing the game that the adversary has set out.

In America, you don't even have proper holidays. It's really one of the most prosperous slave societies in history. People work their asses off all year long and get two weeks off! It's incredible.

The people who encouraged me weren't necessarily writers or readers themselves. They were people who were just pleased to see me devote my life to reading and writing.

I found it really disturbing to see a novelist writing a diatribe about Islam and Muslim radical extremists, blurring the distinction between the two.

The idea that human beings can make history, that is something quite unique to the modern West.

We need to infuse politics with ideas like compassion and empathy, and a sense that we live in an interdependent world.

The asymmetries of power that have shaped relations between the West and the rest of the world also exist in the realm of literary criticism.

Most suffering is human-made and avoidable. It's mostly in your head.

Freedom of speech doesn't guarantee great literature.

I think what's important and extraordinarily practical about Buddhism, is that it offers very concrete methods for people to work with.

We often build our lives in a way that shuts out freedom.

I want you alone, " he whispered, gliding a hand around her hip, "on a slow boat to China. Days together, nights... rocking on the waves.

I suppose that, after the passion of love, water rights have caused more trouble than anything else to the human species.

Strength of mind rests in sobriety for this keeps your reason unclouded by passion.

A dwarf on a giant's shoulder, sees further of the two.

I'm actually a little comic nerd myself.

I heard someone say the other day that they thought it was sexier to call someone their fiance instead of their husband or wife.

Until we stand in a place where we have met God, we have no authority to change a Nation

UBS have been important supporters of Tate Modern since 2000 and we are delighted to announce this exciting and unique partnership

The room where I am lodging is stupendous. Thank God I am as fit as a fiddle.