We must remember that the only true giants are those who walk with the people, not over them. - Wole Soyinka

the contemporary novel . . . I've read one or two: Rushdie, I've enjoyed, again, exceptionally, Marquez, I love his works: that's another exception. Bessie Head: I found her novels very, very gripping, fascinating, challenging, really intellectually intriguing. Then that black American woman writer, Toni Morrison, the author of Sula, Song of Solomon: she's a fascinating writer. Umberto Eco . . . But generally I don't read novels.

The greatest threat to freedom is the absence of criticism.

You know this business has to be stopped, Simon. And you are the only man who can do it.