348 Quotes by John le Carré

I had two experiences of criminality: one was my conman father, the other was teaching at Eton.

Without a pen in my hand I can’t think.

Never trade a secret, you’ll always get the short end of the bargain.

I’ve always had difficulties with female characters.

I mean, you can’t be less ruthless than the opposition simply because your government’s policy is benevolent, can you now?

There is a big difference between fighting the cold war and fighting radical Islam. The rules have changed and we haven’t.

The monsters of our childhood do not fade away, neither are they ever wholly monstrous.

Let’s all pretend to be someone else, and then perhaps we’ll find out who we are.

I move my lips when I read – I’m painfully slow – so I like really good English.