"One of the great failings of our education system is that we tend to focus on those who are succeeding in exams, and there are plenty of them. But what we should also be looking at, and a lot more urgently, is those who fail."

"Access to books and the encouragement of the habit of reading: these two things are the first and most necessary steps in education and librarians, teachers and parents all over the country know it. It is our children's right and it is also our best hope and their best hope for the future."

"Don't worry about writing a book or getting famous or making money. Just lead an interesting life."

"It is the child's understanding that teaches the adults the way of the future. They're still doing it today with modern technology."

"That on a romantic level, if you feel it about somebody and it's pure, it means that they do too."

"When your mother asks, 'Do you want a piece of advice?' it is a mere formality. It doesn't matter if you answer yes or no. You're going to get it anyway."

"Always recognize that human individuals are ends, and do not use them as means to your end."

"I have gained this from philosophy: that I do without being commanded what others do only from fear of the law."