“We extol ancient things, regardless of our own times. [Lat., Vetera extollimus recentium incuriosi.]”

It is less difficult to bear misfortunes than to remain uncorrupted by pleasure.

He (Tiberius) was wont to mock at the arts of physicians, and at those who, after thirty years of age, needed counsel as to what was good or bad for their bodies.

More faults are often committed while we are trying to oblige than while we are giving offense.

The love of dominion is the most engrossing passion.

All inconsiderate enterprises are impetuous at first, but soon lanquish. [Lat., Omnia inconsulti impetus coepta, initiis valida, spatio languescunt.]

The love of fame is a love that even the wisest of men are reluctant to forgo.

None make a greater show of sorrow than those who are most delighted.

Modest fame is not to be despised by the highest characters. [Lat., Modestiae fama neque summis mortalibus spernenda est.]

The hatred of those who are near to us is most violent.

Custom adapts itself to expediency.

Things forbidden have a secret charm.

A bitter jest, when it comes too near the truth, leaves a sharp sting behind it.

No hatred is so bitter as that of near relations.

There are odious virtues; such as inflexible severity, and an integrity that accepts of no favor.

Things are not to be judged good or bad merely because the public think so.

Kindness, so far as we can return it, is agreeable.

I took classical piano lessons from the age of five.

Balding if God’s way of showing you are only human… He takes the hair off your head and puts it in your ears.

Being male is a matter of birth. Being a man is a matter of age. But being a Gentleman is a matter of choice.

It’s taken me to be an older guy, an old man, to have an old man’s voice. Because I only liked old men’s voices. As a kid, I didn’t like pip-squeaked singers.

When I was 10, I beat up the school bully. His arms were in casts. That’s what gave me the courage.

The acting style that has emerged from HD, because of the contrast and how sharp the picture is, it’s more neutrally played. The main character is very minamalistic. That’s what works in this digital age.

There was a certain moment. I was about 61 – two, three or four, and I got a script. And I sent it back to the producer saying – “I don’t wanna do it. The part’s too small.” And he sent it back to me, he said, “You shouldn’t read the lover. You should read the father.

With age, you get to a place where you don’t want to knock people out. You just want to give people a hug.