My father was 64 when I was conceived, my mother 38, which was late for babies in the 1940s.

When your back is against the wall, there is only one thing to do, and that is turn around and fight.

In the next ten years we will have to continue to make changes which will make the whole of this country a genuinely classless society.

I am walking over hot coals suspended over a deep pit at the bottom of which are a large number of vipers baring their fangs.

I think it's extremely unlikely that the European Union will fracture with nations dropping off the edge.

Life is full of surprises.

Recovery begins from the darkest moment.

Society needs to condemn a little more and understand a little less.

Well, I have concerns about the effectiveness of Europe to compete.

A country of long shadows on county cricket grounds, warm beer, green suburbs, dog lovers, and old maids cycling to holy communion through the morning mist.

The first requirement of politics is not intellect or stamina but patience. Politics is a very long run game and the tortoise will usually beat the hare.

Because we are human. We adapt, we adjust, and we think too damn much.

That's one problem I have. Jews when they get successful they will help their people and some of the African-Americans - maybe I'll get in trouble again - they don't want to help anybody.

Energy is under siege by the Obama administration.

The very good thing about MFA programs is their democratizing. They bring a lot of different people to the table.

Work is life for me, it is the only point of life - and with it there is almost religious belief that service is everything.

Making itself intelligible is suicide for philosophy.

I definitely believe in a higher power.

Japan has really great fans for all kinds of music. I think they're keeping metal alive. They're really great supporters, and they really love music. I think it's a total outlet for them.

As I don't know about tomorrow, I never save the best for later.

Every choice is a thousand renunciations. To choose one thing is to turn one's back on many others.