I think it has something to do with being British. We don't take ourselves as seriously as some other countries do. I think a lot of people take themselves far too seriously I find that a very tedious attitude.

There must be something solemn serious and tender about any attitude which we denominate religious. If glad it must not grin or snicker if sad it must not scream or curse.

Madonna remains the most visible performer on the planet as well as one of the wealthiest but would anyone seriously say that artistic self-development is her primary motivating principle? She is too busy with Kabbalah fashion merchandising adoption melodramas the gym and ill-starred horseback riding to study art.

Black literature is taught as sociology as tolerance not as a serious rigorous art form.

Once you take yourself too seriously the art will suffer.

The first mistake of art is to assume that it's serious.

The concept of two people living together for 25 years without a serious dispute suggests a lack of spirit only to be admired in sheep.

The great thing about celebrity culture is that they can't seem to stop themselves from displaying their ridiculous behaviour. I feel it's my job as a serious investigative journalist to witness all kinds of behaviour and then report back to the audience through the prism of my own anger and bitterness.

Maggie Smith is an amazing woman and not as serious in real life.

Sayles could pull a performance out of a dog. I'm serious. He was just amazing. The world could fall apart and he remained on neutral.