The Remains of the Day

"One can't simply live one's life against the backdrop of what might have been."

"I wonder whether I have not simply been a foolish man."

"The English landscape provides a sense of great peace."

"One must not permit oneself to be governed by regret."

"I have been a good butler, and by and large, that is all that can be asked of one."

"It is far better to employ one's energies in what one can control."

"A professional butler does not air his personal troubles."

"The question of what one might have done differently is not particularly helpful."

"One does one's best and one moves forward."

"I have trusted that my judgments would ultimately serve a greater good."

"The pursuit of perfection in one's calling is not something to be ashamed of."

"One must accept certain losses with grace."

"I wonder if my life has not been a futile thing."

"A butler does not involve himself in the great affairs of the world."

"I have devoted my life to providing service of the highest caliber."

"The world is changing, and perhaps my methods are of another age."

"One must maintain appropriate boundaries in all dealings."

"Perhaps it is time I began to look at this whole matter in a new light."

"I have not acted dishonorably."

"There is such a thing as the burden of duty."

"One must confront these facts with dignity."

"I would say Lord Darlington was a man of considerable virtue."

"The butler's calling is a noble one, by and large."

"It seems increasingly clear that this task is the central concern of my life."

"One cannot discuss such matters without experiencing considerable discomfort."

"I have always endeavored to be of service."

"The dignity has to come from within."

"There are times when one realizes one's life has been a path of darkness."

"One simply doesn't question these things in one's youth."

"It is hardly an attractive notion that one has, over so many years, been engaged in some kind of self-deception."