The Remains of the Day

"A professional butler must maintain proper emotional distance."

"I have always believed it is wrong to come between husband and wife."

"These matters require a proper sense of perspective."

"One simply does one's job as best as one can."

"The past is past and one cannot change it."

"I find myself in a rather weak position to mediate in other people's affairs."

"It is hardly worth getting angry about these things now."

"A butler's duty is to provide service to the household."

"I believe you are right that in the end it is a matter of what one estimates one's own life to have been worth."

"I can't even say I made my own mistakes. Really—one has to ask oneself—what dignity is there in that?"

"One cannot change the past, only the future."

"Life is too short to be wasted on regrets."

"Perhaps I should have spoken differently on that occasion."

"The truth is, I have lived most of my life quite contentedly."

"One must respect the decisions of one's employer."

"I have very much doubted my own judgment."

"The pursuit of one's professional obligations is paramount."

"I must confess I had not anticipated such a reception."

"It hardly seems the moment for levity."

"I have always believed that a butler must maintain certain standards."

"One must not become sentimental about the past."

"Perhaps that is what makes the situation so impossible."

"It is not a simple matter to face one's choices."

"I have chosen to devote myself entirely to my work."

"The question is whether one wishes to challenge the existing order."

"I cannot see the slightest reason why I should abandon my position now."

"One does not employ one's memory to indulge in wild speculation."

"I must say, the countryside is rather beautiful."

"Perhaps it is just another of my mistakes to come here."

"It was not appropriate for me to involve myself in such discussions."