I can’t remember when I read, or was told, that he considered it a good thing to spend a short time every day thinking about death, thus getting used to its inevitability and coming to understand that something inevitable is natural and can’t be too bad, but it was in my early teens, and it struck me as a sensible idea. Of course I didn’t set out to think about death in a regular way every day, but I did think about it quite often, and sure enough, it worked. Why coming to see death’s naturalness should have caused belief in an afterlife to melt away, I am unsure, but it did.

If I had found something that was better than TM, I’m not stupid, I would have gone and done that. We’re looking for the best thing we can get for ourselves.

I guess my learning about regulatory strategies is much better now, and I may have designed many clinical trials differently - for example, oral insulin.

I changed my mind on airing my views. Sometimes silence is better.

Anyone who is a carer.

I like collecting rocks,” she smiles. “I’m obsessed with them. I don’t pick up any old rock; it has to have some kind of interest.

Love is everything.

That episode of Succession, probably because it reminded me of my dad.

There is no getting around the work requirement. Also, the creative side is only part of the work. I work really hard.

Also, having a great team around you is so important. People that you can talk to and who work hard as well, and who you trust and you can have fun with—that’s really important.