My mother taught me the most important principles, to be determined in life, to be disciplined, to be able to understand that there are some things that you can't do and other things you have to do, that you always have to be surrounded by love, that you have to be understanding.

I am lucky. I had a very beautiful mother.

I know how to say 'no' in twelve languages. That's enough for a woman.

Believe me, it is actions that count.

Ignorance has its virtues; without it there'd be mighty little conversation.

After all these years, I am still involved in the process of self-discovery. It's better to explore life and make mistakes than to play it safe. Mistakes are part of the dues one pays for a full life.

True happiness is impossible without solitude.... I need solitude in my life as I need food and drink and the laughter of little children. Extravagant though it may sound, solitude is the filter of my soul. It nourishes me, and rejuvenates me. Left alone, I discovered that I keep myself good company.