69 Quotes by Len Deighton

In Mexico an air conditioner is called a politician because it makes a lot of noise but doesn't work very well.

She said, ‘I’ll make tea; I’d like a cup myself.’ She was very close to me, standing in front of the mirror. She glanced at her reflection as she straightened her hair and smoothed her rumpled nightdress. It was thin, almost transparent, and the light was shining through it. ‘Come here, duchess,’ I said. ‘I don’t feel like tea just yet.

Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Perhaps all fear is worse than reality, just as all hope is better than fulfilment.

Progress is man’s indifference to the lessons of history.

Did you ever say hello to a girl you almost married long ago? Did she smile the same captivating smile, and give your arm a hug in a gesture you’d almost forgotten? Did the wrinkles as she smiled make you wonder what marvellous times you’d missed? That’s how I felt about Berlin every time I came back here.

I store away my experiences and don’t feel really happy until I’ve found a way to write about them.

You’re joking, sir.’ ‘I never joke, Chico. The truth is quite adequately hilarious.

The factory workers say that it’s impossible to do anything right. If you arrive five minutes early you are a saboteur; if you arrive five minutes late you are betraying socialism; if you arrive on time they say, Where did you get the watch?