I am not one of those who left the land to the mercy of its enemies. Their flattery leaves me cold, my songs are not for them to praise.

I am not prepared to be Tsar. I never wanted to become one. I know nothing of the business of ruling. I even have no idea how to talk to the ministers.

My intentions were not to fascinate the world with my personality.

I am not a joking subject!

I am not called Cugel the Clever for nothing.

I didn't come here to make friends.

I, Hercule Poirot, am not amused.

I don't want to be the joke of the world, and I don't want to be thought of as another Hitler swallowing up people.

Nature never intended me to be a partisan leader … Every instinct of mine would indicate that I was meant to be a dyed-in-the-wool Tory, or even a bishop, rather than the leader of a revolution.

I certainly don't think of my life as a fairy tale.

I certainly didn't write it to be popular.

I am neither virgin nor priest enough to play with the inner life.

I have examined myself carefully. I could never bid chaos welcome, blow up bridges, and do away with ideas. I am not an anarchist.

[on his Dad] He didn't share the general public's dim view of the late Joseph Stalin.