Peter Howarth, about point of view (in literature):
“You can hear me speak now, but you cannot see into my mind. Were this a novel called Confessions of an English Lecturer, I would say: For instance, said Peter, you can hear me speak now, but you cannot see into my mind. And thank god for that, he thought to himself, looking up with mingled apprehension and distaste at the mass of sleepy, bored students, furiously trying to pen down the obvious, making it understandable.”
Richard Bourke, in the Intellectual History lecture:
“So, how was the Roman government organised? [Suddenly, from the room above: working sounds; drilling and hammering] Oh no [sighs]. They’re here to prosecute me!”
Questier on the division of power and politics:
“So, how should one decide who gets the power, who gets to be in charge? What about duels? A fight to death with lances? The only problem is how to find a spear long enough to go through Nicholas Soames. I mean, come on; what is his slogan: ‘Vote obesity’?!”
Questier: Machiavelli is under the impression that the Prince, the leader should be charming. Is that a fact? Does a leader have to be pretty? Erhm, Gordon Brown isn’t exactly…
Girl: Well, he could have been worse looking.
Questier: What about Cameron? Are you captivated by his etonian charm?
Girl: [With an expression of utter horror] Oh, no, not at all!
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