The English country house is certainly an icon of British culture.

Sometimes the weekend gets hijacked by work, but as my mother would say, this is the right problem.

I have derived enormous confidence from being a husband and father.

If you are lucky, you have your moment. But it is never more than a moment. You have to enjoy it while it lasts.

Leave three Englishmen in a room and they will invent a rule that prevents a fourth joining them.

Vulgarity is no substitute for wit.

To me, all success is a delightful surprise, since one can absolutely never predict it.

What is a week-end? Maggie Smith in Downton Abbey.

Success means your thoughts are worthy of everyones consideration.

Most of us don't want to be outsiders.

If there's one thing I don't look for in a maid, it's discretion. Except with my own secrets, of course.

Trust your instincts, love with your whole heart, forgive, and never take anything for granted.

There is something hugely civilised about allowing long pauses in a conversation. Very few people can stand that kind of silence.

Tonight was about fathers. Vince was going to kill hers for murdering his.

There was a time when the contractual relationship between the employer and the employee was supposed to be none of the public's business. That time has passed.

The obsession with running is really an obsession with the potential for more and more life.

Mathematicians - for what they do - are really poorly rewarded. And it's a very competitive field, almost as bad as being a concert pianist.

The best leader brings out the best in those he has stewardship over.

That's where faith comes in. I've struggled more with being away from her. She keeps me strong. Being away from her means I have to stay in the Word and to stay strong throughout the season.

Acting really suited me because I could connect as an actor to emotion.

Every person is a new door to a different world.