John le Carre Quotes & Sayings (Page 2)

“A desk is a dangerous place from which to view the world.”

“It's part of a writer's profession, as it's part of a spy's profession, to prey on the community to which he's attached, to take away information - often in secret - and to translate that into intelligence for his masters, whether it's his readership or his spy masters. And I think that both professions are perhaps rather lonely.”

“My definition of a decent society is one that first of all takes care of its losers, and protects its weak.”

“History keeps her secrets longer than most of us. But she has one secret that I will reveal to you tonight in the greatest confidence. Sometimes there are no winners at all. And sometimes nobody needs to lose.”

“A committee is an animal with four back legs.”

“Having your book turned into a movie is like seeing your oxen turned into bouillon cubes.”

“I am still making order out of chaos by reinvention.”

“Writing is like walking in a deserted street. Out of the dust in the street you make a mud pie.”

“I don't know whether it's age or maturity, but I certainly find myself committed more and more to the looser forms of Western democracy at any price.”

“Most people like to read about intrigue and spies. I hope to provide a metaphor for the average reader's daily life. Most of us live in a slightly conspiratorial relationship with our employer and perhaps with our marriage.”