The best philosophers were not academics, but had another job, so their philosophy was not corrupted by careerism.

You know, children philosophize more than adults - and they are critical of adults.

You will get the most attention from those who hate you. No friend, no admirer and no partner will flatter you with as much curiosity.

Inequalities of wealth lead to a dispersion in wealth for all.

I know, in my heart of hearts, I don't do things for money.

The sinews of art and literature, like those of war, are money.

You get early inoculation against the idea of success if you're a poet. When I published my first collection of sonnets, I sold about five copies; now kids study them for A level. Wanting to be successful in that other world of money or fame is not interesting. Poetry isn't like that, and it never has been.

If you want better behavior from bankers, then make their financial incentives more like those in the hedge-fund world - where managers have 'skin in the game,' and their net worth is tied to their long-term performance.