We were to equally strong types [with my husband], equally pigheaded - neither of us wanted to give in. And...I like to think those quarrels made us better, that they enlivened our life, because without them we would have had a normal life, yes, but banal and boring.

in today's world no country can be absolutely independent of another. It is a world of interdependence.

As a nation, I believe we've acquired faith in ourselves.

I don't mind if my life goes in the service of the nation. If I die, every drop of my blood will invigorate the nation.

I suggested a compromise to give the banks a year's time and see if they succeed in showing us that nationalization wasn't necessary. The year went by and we realized it hadn't done any good, that the money still ended up in the hands of the rich industrialists or friends of the bankers. So I concluded that it was necessary to nationalize the banks. And we did. Without considering it a socialist gesture or an antisocialist gesture, just a necessary one. Anyone who nationalizes only so as to be considered on the left to me is a fool.

The immediate is often the enemy of the ultimate.

Defeats are always pitiful. Victories are always last resources.