I got married, I really waited a long time - three days after I graduated.

There's Madeleine, and then there's 'Madeleine Albright'. And I sometimes kind of think, who is this person? Once you become 'Madeleine Albright' it doesn't go away.

My parents were of the generation who thought they were the children of a free Czechoslovakia, the only democracy in central Europe.

As far as barriers once I joined the government I was very lucky because I had all of my credentials together, I was Doctor Albright... So when somebody wanted the one woman I made sure that they knew I was dependable and qualified.

To understand Europe, you have to be a genius - or French.

You think that the heads of state only have serious conversations, but they actually often begin really with the weather or, 'I really like your tie.'

A great task has been completed and an even larger one remains.