I have always enjoyed reading, but I’ve never been sure how to select appropriate material. There are so many books in the world–how do you tell them all apart? How do you know which one will match your tastes and interests?

In Mexico we have a trick – add a crystal of salt to the kettle and the tea tastes better, almost English. But after four pots, your kettle’s broken.

Once you figure out what respect tastes like, it tastes better than attention. But you have to get there.

Fashion is a tyrant from which nothing frees us. We must suit ourselves to its fantastic tastes. But being compelled to live under its foolish laws, the wise man is never the first to follow, nor the last to keep it.