I'm offended by things and take pathetic little stands against them.

Good things, when short, are twice as good.

We give advice by the bucket, but take it by the grain.

Very often in Chekhov, where he exhibits a little bit of human behavior that you recognize as true, you give a little laugh. It's like a reflex.

Obviously, you would give your life for your children, or give them the last biscuit on the plate. But to me, the trick in life is to take that sense of generosity between kin, make it apply to the extended family and to your neighbour, your village and beyond.

Life is a gamble, at terrible odds - if it was a bet you wouldn't take it.