One of the things that was really an issue was I did not want to just be a woman secretary of state. I wanted to be a secretary of a state who was a woman, but not just chosen for that particular reason.

I do not believe that things happen accidentally; I believe you earn them.

I was in Europe and it was at this stage that I fell in love with Americans in uniform. And I continue to have that love affair.

I felt that America's duty was not to try to do everything itself, but to foster a sense of commitment that would bring out the best in every country.

I went to college somewhere between the invention of the iPad and the discovery of fire... but I had gone to a women's college.

I have very set and consistent principles, but I am flexible on tactics. I like to get the job done.

Women are more than 50% of almost every country in the world. Countries rob themselves of the resources of women if they keep them as property. It isn't that women can't find work. It's just that women don't get paid for their work and are not recognized properly. It's something that has to be on the international agenda all the time.