“What is interesting and important happens mostly in secret, in places where there is no power.”

“In spite of this, our table's status on the Oronsay continued to be minimal, while those at the Captain's Table were constantly toasting to one another's significance. That was a small lesson I learned on the journey. What is interesting and important happens mostly in secret, in places where there is no power. Nothing much of lasting value ever happens at the head table, held together by familiar rhetoric. Those who already have power continue to glide along in the familiar rut they have made for themselves.”

“...because where we are is always the most important place.”

“It is not important to have said a thing first, or best - or even most interestingly. What is important is to say it on the right occasion.”

“The place where you live - your home - is one of the most important things in a body's life.”

“Facts are important, the story is important. It's what happens to you that changes your life, not where or who with.”