“And God said, 'Let there be light' and there was light, but the Electricity Boar…” — Spike Milligan

You couldn't enclose people in institutions or hospitals or almshouses in the way the Victorians managed to do. India was too big. Seeing the suffering people was terrible, but I think I was more distraught at the needless cruelty to so many animals.

I am afraid that, like Timon of Athens, I just cannot let go of my friendships.

I don't think of depression as contagious. Other depressed people challenge the idea - which can be very persistent and irritating - that there is something odd about you: that you are unique with regard to this wretched state.

I'm a hero with coward's legs.