“Most people, looking back at their childhood, see it as a misty country half-forgotten or only to be remembered through an evocative sound or scent, but some episodes of those short years remain clear and brightly coloured like a landscape seen through the wrong end of a telescope.”

“There are adventures of the spirit and one can travel in books and interest oneself in people and affairs. One need never be dull as long as one has friends to help, gardens to enjoy and books in the long winter evenings.”

“In a new friend we start life anew, for we create a new edition of ourselves and so become,for the time being, a new creature.”

“Understanding human needs is half the job of meeting them.”

“I venture to suggest that patriotism is not a short and frenzied outburst of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime.”

“What counts is not the years in your life but the life in your years.”

“It's hard to lead a cavalry charge if you think you look funny on a horse.”