The Observer | Magazine | Oliver James: Directions home
It's very hard to be adult in a developed nation and retain the spontaneity and inventiveness found in three year olds, without being mad, personality disordered or employed as an artist. I believe that creating the context in which these child-like attributes can flourish in adults should be the principal goal of politics; they are the cornerstone of mental well-being.

The words 'change' and 'dreams' have dominated the political party conferences this year, but they referred to improved Having rather than Being. Dylan was right that he who is not busy being born (emotionally maturing), is busy dying.