One only gets to the top rung on the ladder by steadily climbing up one at a time, and suddenly, all sorts of powers, all sorts of abilities which you thought never belonged to you - suddenly become within your own possibility and you think, 'Well, I'll have a go, too.'

[When asked how it felt to be a female prime minister:] I don't know: I've never experienced the alternative.

Failure? The possibilities do not exist.

If you set out to be liked, you will accomplish nothing.

We simply cannot delegate the exercise of mercy and generosity to others.

I have very strong views about Europe. We're quite the best country. We rescued them. We're not going to get entangled with them. We've got to keep our own independence. Is that clear?

It's a funny old world.