I was not only the first woman to become secretary of state, I was the first [U.S.] secretary of state of the 21st century. I was the first secretary of state to own a Web site, to visit Internet cafes, and to make Internet access a part of policy.

Often if you don't speak up, whatever you thought was stupid to say some man would say and then everyone would say 'as he said'.

jewels have played a colorful part in the evolution of world affairs. Because precious stones tend to inspire both admiration and greed, leaders have found convenient excuses for seeking them and have used them to impress crowds, reward friends, deprive foes, forge alliances, and justify war. Jewels may find their highest expression in the decorative arts, but they have also earned a place in the art of the possible.

So there really was a whole series of things that took the women of my generation a little bit of time to push forward.

We will not be intimidated or pushed off the world stage by people who do not like what we stand for, and that is, freedom, democracy and the fight against disease, poverty and terrorism.

I have always thought of myself as a Czechoslovak Catholic.

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