There is a romantic, often misguided, misconception among the British that life in France is akin to life in Paradise.

Paris certainly needs to promote itself. Although still the most visited city in the world, it has fallen behind London and Berlin in terms of cool.

When the body breaks down, it does not all go at once; it goes piece by piece.

In America, people know there are always 10 people better than them who are after their job. In France, they know that too - but no one is going to get their job till they go to their grave.

It is a well known urban myth that the French don't trust banks and store their money under their mattress. It's not that they are tight with money - they just don't trust anyone.

No one lives on credit in France because banks don't allow overdrafts and zero percent credit cards do not exist.

Nonviolence worked in Serbia, and it can work in other countries seeking their freedom.

In Pakistan, the right to go to school is not a given. In the more rural areas, a girl is born, married off as early as 9 years old, and basically lives life under the control of men.

Little changes can start to make a difference in the world.

I often think I am a better person because I lived for many years of my life with a flashlight. I have developed skills I did not think were possible - bathing with a cup of water by candlelight, for instance, and writing a story with a headlamp on.