I love reading other people's diaries, especially someone like Virginia Woolf's - such a formidable woman that it's a revelation when she shows you a more vulnerable side of herself. Michael Palin diaryformidablelove Change image and share on social
You don't ask people about the immigration policies of the U.K. or their country's agricultural policy. Instead, you talk to them about the meal they're eating or their family, and from that you get the sense of another human being, someone we can all relate to. Michael Palin agriculturalcountryeat share on social
I am certainly more interested in interviewing than being interviewed. Sometimes you find yourself attacked from the start. Michael Palin attackfindinterest Change image and share on social
I'm not good at confrontation. I know my strengths. I like company. And I am not a great arguer... I do find it much easier talking to people I like about things we both like. Michael Palin arguercompanyconfrontation Change image and share on social
There is barely a country in the world where you will be completely safe. Michael Palin barelycompletelycountry Change image and share on social
If you had a successful TV show, people wanted to see you live. Promoters had had practice with pop groups, and 'Python' achieved a similar status. We also had lots of rock star fans - George Harrison, Pink Floyd, Robert Plant. Promoters saw that and liked it. Michael Palin achievefanfloyd share on social
I always wanted to be an explorer, but - it seemed I was doomed to be nothing more than a very silly person. Michael Palin doomexplorerperson Change image and share on social
Something about John Cleese was always very unsettled, I felt. There was always something else he wanted to do. He seemed constantly driven by this sense that there was a nirvana somewhere; some unique place where mind, body and soul would be utterly satisfied. Michael Palin bodycleeseconstantly share on social
'Nice' means nothing. Is it someone who doesn't swear and shout? I swear and shout. 'Nice' sounds ineffectual. Michael Palin ineffectualmeannice Change image and share on social
People look for patterns in everything. It's what keeps us sane, I suppose. I struggle to see any patterns in my life. I think I can understand depression a bit because of my sister. My own feelings of... I'm aware that, if you feel down, it can be strangely unrelated to circumstances around you. That's just the way life is. Michael Palin awarebitecircumstance share on social